Under the slogan "Cinema Dances and Sings," the 39th edition of the Alexandria Film Festival for Mediterranean Countries kicked off today, Sunday, featuring around 120 films from 24 countries. The participating films are divided into four competitions: feature films, short films, Egyptian films, and youth films, alongside several parallel and special programs. Screenings are held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Jesuit Cultural Center, Freedom Creativity Center, Amir Cinema, Metro Cinema, and several other locations.
This edition of the festival, organized by the Egyptian Association for Film Writers and Critics, is dedicated to Egyptian artist and producer Elham Shahin, who has presented more than 100 films throughout her career. The opening ceremony, held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Theater, honored actor Khaled Zaki, actress Hanan Motawaa, singer Medhat Saleh from Egypt, French actress Caroline Silhol, Greek director Costas Ferris, and French producer Jean-Louis Livi.
This year’s festival also celebrates the centenary of the late artist Tawfiq al-Daqn (1923-1988) and the centenary of the late artist Mahmoud Morsi (1923-2004). In addition to the film screenings, the program, which extends until October 5, includes a cinematography workshop conducted by cinematographer Samir Farag and a directing workshop led by director Ali Badrekan.
Before the festival commenced, the organizing committee announced the results of a poll to select the "100 Most Important Musical Films in the History of Egyptian Cinema," which involved 30 Egyptian critics and filmmakers. The film "Gharam fi al-Karnak" topped the list, followed by "Khaly Balak min Zuzu" in second place, and "Ghazal al-Banat" ranked third.
