Cairo Film Festival Opens Amid War, Industry Pressures and Censorship Debate

The 47th Cairo International Film Festival got underway in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday, bringing together filmmakers, actors and other prominent figures from around the world.

This year’s event is taking place under the shadow of the Middle East war, with speakers pointing to the conflict’s effects on audiences, production costs and the wider film industry.

Screenwriter, poet and producer Medhat El-Adl received a Golden Pyramid for lifetime achievement during the festival. In remarks on the impact of conflict, El-Adl said war and instability affect both cinema and people’s livelihoods.

“Consequently, people will prioritise earning a living over going to the movie theater,” El-Adl said, adding that someone with limited money would choose food over a cinema ticket.

Rising costs put pressure on producers

Gehad Hossam said the war had affected the economics of the film industry across the region. She described a situation in which a production that previously cost 5 EGP could suddenly cost 10 EGP, while the market was unable to absorb the increase.

“It’s a tough situation,” Hossam said, referring to the pressure created by higher production expenses and limited market capacity.

The comments came as the festival presented Egyptian cinema alongside international participation, while the industry continues to face the financial difficulties discussed by the speakers.

Calls for wider creative freedom

Censorship and freedom of expression were also raised as challenges for Egypt’s film industry. Film critic Tarek El-Shinnawi called for a higher censorship ceiling and a censor with a broader outlook.

El-Shinnawi also urged greater openness to discussion on different issues, arguing that the quality of a film should be measured by the strength of its idea and the freedom given to its creator, rather than by its budget or scale of production.

His comments placed creative freedom alongside economic pressure as one of the concerns facing filmmakers in Egypt.

Cinema’s role beyond entertainment

In opening remarks, festival president Hussein Fahmi described cinema as more than a form of entertainment. He said it records human experience, social change and historical moments, preserving stories and emotions for future generations.

The festival is scheduled to continue until 20 November. Its programme brings together international film figures at a time when the region’s conflict has shaped discussions about the industry’s finances, audiences and cultural responsibilities.