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.
Why was the Cairo International Film Festival postponed?
The decision to pull the plug on the 45th edition, initially slated for 15 to 24 November 2023, was announced by Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr Neven El-Kelany, who cited the ongoing conflict as a significant concern necessitating the postponement.
The CIFF holds a great deal of esteem as one of the oldest and most consistent film festivals in the Arab world and Africa.
It also carries the distinctive honour 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 comes against a backdrop of escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, where the death toll has reportedly risen to 3,478 Palestinians, with an additional 12,000 individuals wounded, as per the latest updates from the health ministry in Gaza.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the unfolding conflict has also seen devastating attacks on civilian structures, with a recent strike on the al-Ahli Arab Hospital leaving a majority of male and child victims.
The uncertainty surrounding palpable tensions in the Middle East has left CIFF organisers with no choice but to delay the festival.
“The new date for the festival will be determined later,” Dr El-Kelany revealed.