Fayoum Film Festival honors Palestine

The 1st Fayoum International Film Festival, led by director Hani Lashin, has declared its solidarity with the Palestinian cause by naming Palestine as the guest of honor for its inaugural session.

According to the festival's artistic director, Nahed Salah, a full day of activities has been designated as Palestine Day, scheduled for November 28. 

The day will feature diverse events, including exhibitions of Palestinian products and heritage handicrafts, alongside a fashion show of modern designs inspired by Palestinian traditions, created by media figure Nidal al-Natour. 

Highlighting the program is the screening of the film ‘From Zero Distance’, a collaborative effort by 22 directors from Gaza, supervised by filmmaker Rashid Masharawi.

The Natour Center for Studies and Research will recognize these directors with a $1,000 cash prize in appreciation of their resilience and creativity under challenging circumstances. 

Naji al-Naji, cultural advisor at the Palestinian embassy in Cairo, will inaugurate the event, while Nisreen al-Tamimi, Palestinian Minister of the Environment Quality Authority, is set to deliver a keynote speech during the opening ceremony.

Dedicated to environmental films and contemporary arts, this festival highlights the intersection of cinema, culture, and the natural beauty of Fayoum.

The festival will run through November 30th, 2024, in Fayoum, Egypt.