Cairo International Film Festival selects 100 talents for New Wave program

The Cairo International Film Festival, led by Hussein Fahmy, has announced the details for the second edition of its “New Wave” program. The initiative is part of the festival's 47th edition, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 20, 2026. The program is organized in partnership with the Drosos Foundation and supported by the British Council.

Following a high volume of interest with over 850 applications, 100 participants were selected to participate in the program. The selection process prioritized geographic diversity, with 70 participants hailing from 23 Egyptian governorates outside of Cairo, including Aswan, Alexandria, and Sohag. Additionally, 30 participants are from Cairo, and five participants are Arab residents of Egypt from Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine.

Female filmmakers comprise 55% of the total participants, reflecting an effort to promote diversity and equal opportunity within the film industry. The program offers an integrated experience, including attending film screenings, participating in specialized seminars and masterclasses, and networking with directors, producers, and industry experts. The initiative also includes a specialized six-day training track featuring various workshops.