Cairo — The 10th edition of the Aswan International Women Film Festival is set to open from April 20 to 25, bringing together 65 films from 33 countries, in a milestone edition dedicated to pioneering Egyptian artist Aziza Amir on the 125th anniversary of her birth, according to festival organizers .
The festival program features a broad range of international competitions, including feature and short films, alongside specialized categories such as the Euro-Mediterranean competition and Films with Impact, reflecting the event’s focus on socially driven cinema and women’s voices.
Ten films will compete in the feature category, including international productions such as Dunia (Tunisia) and Hijra, a co-production involving Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, 21 films are shortlisted for the short film competition, representing a diverse mix of regional and global entries .
Organizers also highlighted expanded training and outreach initiatives, including workshop films produced by 95 trainees—over 60% of whom are women—underscoring the festival’s role in nurturing emerging talent, in collaboration with partners such as UN Women and the European Union.
The Middle East Observer notes that the festival has evolved into a key regional platform for women-led cinema and cultural dialogue. The Middle East Observer further observes that its continued expansion reflects Egypt’s broader cultural strategy to promote creative industries and international collaboration.
