The Cairo Film Connection (CFC) has announced the selected projects for its 10th edition, which will take place from November 17 to 20, 2024, in conjunction with the 45th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF). This year’s lineup features 18 projects from ten countries, including Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, and Algeria, encompassing both post-production and development stages.
Among the projects in post-production are Maythem Ridha’s documentary 40 Years of Silence from Iraq, Hicham Lasri’s feature film Thank You Satan from Morocco, and Nada Hafaiedh’s documentary Barcha from Tunisia. Additionally, Ager Oueslati’s documentary You Don’t Die Two Times represents Algeria, while Egypt is featured with films like My Father’s Scent and Big Boys Don’t Cry.
In the development category, noteworthy projects include Maysaa Almumin’s feature “All the Colors Blue” from Kuwait, Ibrahim Omar’s documentary “Dry Sky” from Sudan, and Houssem Sansa’s “Of Debt and Money” from Tunisia. Other significant entries come from Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing a range of creative endeavors, including Yasir Kareem’s feature “Ayin Hara” from Iraq and Hana Alomair’s “Dancing on Fire” from Saudi Arabia.
Rodrigo Brum, Director of the Cairo Film Connection, expressed excitement about the expansion of this year’s selection, highlighting the exceptional quality and diversity of narratives emerging from Arab cinema. Festival President Hussein Fahmy praised the forum for its role in advancing filmmakers across the region, while Festival Director Essam Zakaria underscored CFC’s importance in supporting Arab talent and its impact on the international film scene, noting the success of previous projects at prestigious festivals like Cannes. The CFC is an integral part of the Cairo Industry Days, fostering discussions and networking opportunities to nurture Arab filmmakers.