The 24th edition of the Ismailia Festival for Documentaries and Short Films in Egypt commenced on Tuesday, featuring over 100 films from 50 countries, with Germany as the "guest of honor." The festival showcases eight German films, including four in its official competitions and four in non-competitive programs.
During the opening, the festival honored Irish director Mark Cousins, Egyptian cinematographer Mahmoud Abdel-Sami, Egyptian critic Ali Mahmoud, and the late Egyptian director Semeh Mansy. The festival, organized by the National Center for Cinema, will run until March 20, focusing this edition on hybrid films that blend documentary and narrative styles.
The festival will present 16 Arab films from Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories across its various competitions and programs. Additionally, as part of the restored films program, which was introduced in the previous edition, the film "The Testament of a Wise Man Regarding Village Affairs and Education" directed by Dawood Abdel-Sayed will be screened. The festival also includes a competition for students from cinema institutes and specialized colleges in Egypt, featuring 15 films of both long and short lengths.
