An Evening Dedicated to Egyptian Cinema, a Vehicle for Cultural Dialogue.
On May 22, 2025, the prestigious UNESCO Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture set up at the Taz Palace, in the heart of Cairo, for an exceptional evening devoted to Egyptian cinema. Held under the theme "Egyptian Cinema: A Catalyst for Cultural Diplomacy & Intercultural Dialogue," this event highlighted the essential role of Egyptian cinema as a cultural ambassador and a driving force for intercultural dialogue.
Engaging Discussions with Laureates and Key Figures of Egyptian Cinema
During an evening dedicated to Egyptian cinema, two panel discussions brought together laureates of the UNESCO Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture and prominent figures from the local film industry to share experiences, challenges, and futures perspectives.
The first panel, moderated by Dalia Basiouny, Assistant Professor of Theatre at October 6 University, featured Aya Tarek (2024 laureate), Christian Mouroux (former laureate and president of Ciné Fertil in Argentina), and Aché Ahmat Moustafa (Chadian filmmaker and jury member of the Prize). They reflected on the Prize’s decisive impact on their careers and projects, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering dynamic intercultural dialogue.
The second panel, led by filmmaker Hala Galal, President of the Ismailia Film Festival, focused on the challenges and creativity of contemporary Egyptian cinema. It gathered Hala Khalil (director and producer), Safie Eldin Mahmoud (director and screenwriter), and Tamer Mohsen (actor and director), key figures in the local film scene, who emphasized cinema’s central role in cultural diplomacy.
A Visual and Musical Immersion
Alongside the discussions, a poster exhibition immersed guests in the history and richness of Egyptian cinema, tracing a century of iconic works.
To close this evening dedicated to culture and community, two musical performances delighted the audience: Mohamed Rabie and his ensemble of classical Arabic music performed pieces from great Egyptian films, followed by the vibrant energy of Mohamed Khalifa and his band with a New Mahraganat show, a modern and popular fusion genre.
Egyptian Cinema: A Cultural Bridge
This celebration at Taz Palace reaffirmed that Egyptian cinema is not only an art form but also a powerful catalyst for dialogue and cultural exchange. By embodying the memory, creativity, and diversity of Arab peoples, it continues to inspire and unite audiences beyond borders.
