The Port Said Film Festival is entering a new stage of development as preparations continue for its upcoming edition. As part of these efforts, the festival’s management, headed by film critic Ahmed Assar, has announced the appointment of screenwriter Ahmed Helba as a member of its Supreme Advisory Committee.
The decision recognizes Helba’s important role during the festival’s inaugural edition, when he served as its executive director and contributed to the organization and launch of the first festival in Port Said.
🎬 His new role represents a continuation of his involvement rather than a departure from the festival, allowing the organizers to benefit from his experience, knowledge and understanding of the event from its earliest stages.
⭐ From Executive Director to Advisory Role
Ahmed Helba played an important role in transforming the festival from an idea into an actual cinematic event capable of bringing filmmakers, artists, critics and audiences together in Port Said.
The first edition included a diverse program featuring film screenings, cultural events, workshops and discussions, as well as competitions dedicated to different categories of films.
🎥 The festival therefore aimed to become more than a traditional screening event. It sought to create a platform for dialogue, training, cultural exchange and support for emerging filmmakers.
This background gives Helba a valuable perspective as he joins the advisory committee, particularly because he was directly involved in the festival’s initial organization.
🏙️ Ahmed Helba’s Connection to Port Said
Helba’s importance to the festival is also connected to his relationship with Port Said.
As a son of the city, he has maintained a strong interest in supporting its cultural and cinematic presence.
Port Said has a distinctive cultural and historical identity, making the establishment of a dedicated film festival particularly significant.
✨ The participation of a local creative figure within the festival’s leadership structure also strengthens the connection between the event and the city’s young artists, filmmakers and cultural community.
🎞️ The First Edition: A New Cinematic Chapter
The inaugural edition of the Port Said Film Festival took place in September 2025 and was named after the late Egyptian actor Mahmoud Yassin, one of the most prominent artistic figures associated with Port Said.
The first edition attracted artists, filmmakers, critics and media professionals and presented a diverse selection of cinematic and cultural activities.
The festival also focused on workshops and opportunities for young filmmakers, helping establish an identity based on both film exhibition and professional development.
🎬 One of the key challenges was establishing a new festival capable of building a sustainable presence rather than becoming a one-time event.
🔥 A Growing Advisory Committee
Ahmed Helba’s appointment comes amid efforts to expand and strengthen the festival’s Supreme Advisory Committee.
Recent additions have included filmmaker Magdy Ahmed Ali and Port Said-born actor Hamdy El Wazir, bringing additional experience in directing, acting and the broader film industry.
🤝 The diversity of these figures could help the committee approach the festival from multiple perspectives, including artistic programming, filmmaking opportunities, youth initiatives and the cultural role of Port Said.
🎥 What Can Audiences Expect From the Second Edition?
The festival’s latest organizational moves come as filmmakers and audiences await further details about its second edition.
The management has continued preparations while the final details concerning the official schedule and complete program are being finalized.
The second edition carries greater expectations because the festival now has to build on the momentum created by its debut.
📌 A successful second edition will require more than simply repeating the first experience. It will need to expand opportunities for emerging filmmakers, strengthen the festival’s identity and provide a richer program for audiences and professionals.
🌟 Port Said and Cinema
The importance of the Port Said Film Festival extends beyond the organization of an annual cinematic event.
The larger ambition is to establish Port Said as a permanent destination on Egypt’s cultural and cinematic map.
The city’s geographical location, history and tourism potential could provide strong foundations for developing cultural tourism through cinema.
🌊 In this context, the second edition could become an important test of the festival’s ability to transform its successful debut into a sustainable cultural project.
🎬 Ahmed Helba’s Continuing Role
Ahmed Helba’s appointment to the Supreme Advisory Committee confirms that his involvement with the Port Said Film Festival continues beyond his executive responsibilities during the inaugural edition.
His new role gives him an opportunity to contribute through strategic vision, experience and guidance while helping the festival develop its future editions.
More details are expected to emerge regarding the second edition’s films, workshops, guests, activities and official schedule.
✨ As the Port Said Film Festival prepares for its next chapter, its biggest challenge will be turning the momentum of its first edition into a sustainable cinematic presence.
🎥 Can the expanded advisory committee help create an even stronger second edition? And could Port Said become one of Egypt’s leading destinations for film festivals in the coming years?
