The Protocol aims to establish a framework, in line with festival rules, to encourage mutual visits, organise cinema symposia and field trips, and select films for exhibitions, competitions and festivals hosted by both sides.
Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has formalised a Protocol of Cooperation with China Media Group to foster collaboration in cinema-related areas, including the creation of joint content on international films, the exchange of artistic and cultural expertise and the sharing of professional guests, films and jury members. This initiative reflects CIFF’s commitment to expanding its role as an open platform for engaging with esteemed global institutions.
The protocol was signed by Hussein Fahmy, President of CIFF and Xin Hi Xiong, Chinese Minister and member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as the President of China Media Group and head of the Film and Cinema Sector.
The agreement aims to establish a framework for encouraging mutual visits and organising cinema symposia and field trips between the two countries. It also includes selecting films for exhibitions, competitions and festivals organised by both parties, with a particular focus on works by emerging directors.
Additionally, the protocol will facilitate the nomination and invitation of prominent cinema professionals to serve as jury members and special guests at festivals hosted by both sides. There will also be screenings of selected films from each country.
The agreement further encourages major cinema companies and institutions in both Egypt and China to participate in events organised by the two sides, either online or in person at the festival venues.
Hussein Fahmy stated that this protocol is a significant step in CIFF’s international cooperation efforts. It facilitates the exchange of expertise and enables engagement with diverse media and cinematic entities from various cultures and civilisations, particularly highlighting China.
CIFF Director and film critic Essam Zakarea commented that the protocol provides an opportunity for CIFF to gain visibility within the China Media Group, a prominent global media conglomerate that includes 51 TV stations and a dedicated Film and Cinema Sector. This partnership will enable collaboration between distinguished filmmakers and the festival, allowing for the exchange of films and the selection of works from Cairo to be showcased at cinema festivals in China.
Zakarea emphasised that exchanging expertise is crucial for the growth and progression of the festival industry, as it unites two of the most established entities in the global cinema industry: Egypt and China.
The protocol also marks the celebration of the Egyptian-Chinese Year of Friendship, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism. The signing ceremony was attended by Sherif Fathi, Minister of Antiquities and Tourism, Hussein Zein, Chairman of the National Media Authority, Liao Liqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, Omar Al-Qadi, head of the Tourism Promotion Authority and Naila Farouk, head of Egyptian Television.
