The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has been postponed due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, marking a pause in one of the Arab world and Africa’s most significant cultural events.
Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Neven El-Kelany, announced the decision to postpone the 45th edition, which was initially scheduled for November 15 to 24, 2023. The ongoing conflict in the region was cited as a significant concern necessitating the postponement.
CIFF is highly regarded as one of the oldest and most consistent film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It holds the distinction of being the only festival from the Arab and African regions registered in category A of the International Federation of Producers in Prasles, France (FIAPF).
This postponement is in response to the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, where the death toll has reportedly risen to 3,478 Palestinians, with an additional 12,000 individuals wounded, according to the latest updates from the health ministry in Gaza.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the conflict has also resulted in devastating attacks on civilian structures, including a recent strike on the al-Ahli Arab Hospital, which had a significant number of male and child victims.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the palpable tensions in the Middle East, CIFF organizers have had no choice but to delay the festival. Dr. El-Kelany mentioned that the new date for the festival will be determined later.
