In a significant cultural milestone for Egypt 🌍, the Arab School of Cinema and Television is preparing to launch the first edition of the “BRICS International Student Film Festival,” a pioneering cinematic event dedicated to student filmmakers from BRICS nations.
Scheduled from May 10 to May 14, 2026, the festival will be held at the Egyptian Academy of Arts 🎭, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and the Academy of Arts, and chaired by Dr. Mona El-Sobky, who leads the initiative with a vision to elevate student cinema into a professional global platform.
🎬 A New Vision for Student Cinema
Under the slogan:
“Towards a New Professional Cinema within BRICS Countries” 🎥✨
the festival aims to redefine student filmmaking by encouraging innovation, cultural expression, and professional development.
This is the first festival in Egypt dedicated entirely to student films from BRICS countries, making it a unique platform for creative exchange and cultural dialogue.
🌍 Cultural Exchange & Global Collaboration
Beyond film screenings, the festival acts as a cultural bridge between BRICS nations, allowing students to share ideas, techniques, and storytelling approaches 🎞️.
It also seeks to connect emerging filmmakers with production companies, potentially transforming student projects into full-scale cinematic works.
🎓 Empowering Young Talent
Dr. Mona El-Sobky emphasized that the festival aims to empower young creative talents and provide them with a professional space to express their artistic visions 💡.
The initiative is designed to nurture a new generation of filmmakers capable of shaping the future of global cinema.
🏆 Competition Categories
The festival includes three main competition categories:
• 🎬 Short Fiction Films (up to 20 minutes)
• 🎥 Documentary Films (up to 15 minutes)
• 🎨 Animation Films (up to 10 minutes)
Awards include:
• Best Short Fiction Film 🏅
• Best Documentary Film
• Best Animation Film
• Dr. Mona El-Sobky Award for Best Overall Film
🇮🇳 India as Guest of Honor
India will serve as the guest of honor for the inaugural edition 🇮🇳, reflecting strong cultural ties and cinematic excellence within the BRICS group.
🎤 Jury, Screenings & Panels
The festival will also feature screenings, academic discussions, and international jury panels composed of renowned film industry professionals 🌟.
