The Cairo International Film Festival is preparing for its 47th edition in November 2026, continuing the long-running cinematic event with a program that brings together film screenings, professional activities and events for filmmakers, critics and audiences.
The 47th edition will run from November 11 to November 20, 2026, with actor Hussein Fahmy continuing as festival president and critic Mohamed Tarek serving as artistic director.
When Is the Cairo Film Festival 2026?
The 47th Cairo International Film Festival will officially begin on November 11, 2026, and continue through November 20, 2026.
The new edition will feature a range of cinematic and professional activities designed to support filmmakers and industry professionals, while also offering audiences opportunities to discover Arab and international films.
The festival is being held under the patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture as part of its continuing role as a meeting point for filmmakers, critics and cinema audiences.
Hussein Fahmy Continues as Festival President
Actor Hussein Fahmy continues to serve as president of the Cairo International Film Festival for its 47th edition, while critic Mohamed Tarek remains responsible for the festival’s artistic direction.
The festival administration is focusing on works that reflect diverse cultures and artistic perspectives, while also providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers and new cinematic voices.
Cairo Film Festival Maintains Its International Status
The Cairo International Film Festival remains the only festival in the Arab and African regions registered in Category A with the International Federation of Film Producers Associations.
This classification reflects the festival’s international standing and its position among recognized global film festivals, giving the Cairo event a distinctive place on the cinematic map of the region.
Cairo Industry Days at the 47th Edition
The Cairo Film Festival goes beyond film screenings, with professional programs designed to support projects and develop the skills of people working across the film industry.
Among these activities are Cairo Industry Days, which include workshops and professional programs for screenwriters, directors, actors and other industry professionals.
Feature Film Screenplay Development Workshop
The 47th edition will feature a workshop dedicated to developing feature film screenplays in cooperation with Erth Content Development.
The workshop will be led by screenwriter Haitham Dabbour and the Erth team. It will focus on projects with completed scripts that have the potential to be further developed and move toward production.
The New Wave Program
The New Wave program will continue as part of the 47th edition, targeting young filmmakers, film students and professionals working across the film and media industries, as well as cinema enthusiasts.
The program provides participants with opportunities to connect with industry specialists, attend Arab and international screenings, and take part in discussions, workshops and masterclasses led by experts from Egypt and abroad.
Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality
The Cairo Film Festival has increasingly focused on technological developments shaping the film industry, from production and cinematography tools to extended reality and artificial intelligence.
Among the technology-focused activities is Cairo's XR, an extended reality program that will present its second edition during the new festival cycle.
The program reflects the festival’s attention to changes affecting filmmaking, particularly as emerging technologies become increasingly relevant to writing, production, filming and post-production.
When Will the 2026 Cairo Film Festival Films Be Announced?
The full program for the 47th edition, including the final film lineup, special screenings and guests, has not yet been announced.
The festival opened its call for film submissions in April 2026, with applications remaining open until August 1, 2026.
Further announcements are expected to reveal the final program, participating films, special events, guests and accompanying activities.
What Can Audiences Expect From the 47th Edition?
As the 47th edition approaches, attention is turning toward the final festival program and its selection of screenings and professional activities.
The new edition combines the long history of the Cairo International Film Festival with programs focused on industry development and a growing interest in technological developments transforming cinema.
The 47th edition therefore continues to position the festival as a space where audiences can watch films while also engaging with the wider film industry through development workshops, professional meetings and specialized programs.
When will the Cairo Film Festival 2026 take place?
The 47th edition will run from November 11 to November 20, 2026.
Who is the president of the Cairo Film Festival?
Actor Hussein Fahmy continues to serve as festival president.
Who is the artistic director of the 2026 festival?
Critic Mohamed Tarek is serving as the artistic director.
Has the full 2026 film lineup been announced?
The complete final film lineup has not yet been announced.
What professional programs are included in the new edition?
The edition includes Cairo Industry Days, the New Wave program, screenplay development activities and the Cairo's XR extended reality program.
