The partnership is expected to extend for the coming years as Co-Production Salon seeks to provide ongoing support to the Egyptian production community through enhanced cross-regional partnerships and coproductions.
Co-Production Salon has announced a strategic partnership with the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) to establish a collaborative platform that strengthens regional and international co-production initiatives. The partnership will be launched during the festival, which runs from November 12 to 21, 2025, across key venues including the Cairo Opera House and the Sofitel Cairo Nile Hotel.
This marks Co-Production Salon’s expansion into Egypt, one of the most influential markets in the Middle East and North Africa, following its engagements in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and France over the past four years. The collaboration represents a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at reinforcing the region’s co-production framework and promoting long-term creative partnerships.
As part of the festival, Co-Production Salon will host a physical lounge to complement its online platform, integrating market intelligence, community engagement and matchmaking opportunities to facilitate productive collaborations. The initiative will also contribute to CIFF’s industry programmes, including the “Cairo Film Connection,” which features speed-pitching sessions connecting emerging film projects with financiers and investors.
Heba Korayem, Founder of Co-Production Salon, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Cairo International Film Festival, bringing our proven partnership facilitation model to Egypt’s vibrant film industry. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in strengthening cross-regional coproductions across MENA, offering filmmakers unprecedented access to our network of over 200 media professionals and the track record of facilitating over 500 content partnership deals in just the past two years.”
The collaboration is designed to extend beyond this year’s edition of CIFF, as Co-Production Salon continues to support Egypt’s production sector by fostering international cooperation and investment. Participating filmmakers will have the chance to present their projects to potential partners across various markets, gaining exposure to key players from the billion-dollar MENA content ecosystem.
Among Co-Production Salon’s prominent members are production houses such as Cedars Arts, Different Productions, Rise Studios, Al Manasa, 1001 Platforms and Eagle Films, all of which have confirmed their participation in the Cairo event.
Commenting on the partnership, CIFF President Hussein Fahmy added: “We are delighted to launch this partnership with Co-Production Salon — a new step in our ongoing efforts to connect Egyptian and regional cinema with their peers across the globe.”We believe the future of filmmaking lies in collaboration and co-production, and this initiative offers a truly interactive platform that enhances and fosters communication among producers, investors, and creators from around the world, broadening the horizons of Arab cinema on the global stage and further entrenching it in the international zeitgeist.”
Participation in Co-Production Salon’s activities will be limited to selected applicants meeting specific commercial criteria, including clear return-on-investment projections, ensuring that only market-ready projects are showcased to potential backers.
Founded in 2021 and based in the UAE, Co-Production Salon has become a major platform for fostering regional production investments through partnership-driven frameworks. Its mission centers on creating sustainable connections between producers, investors, and media platforms across MENA and beyond.
