Cairo is putting the whole working week of its 47th edition on the table, with the full Cairo Industry Days schedule now out, covering masterclasses, panels, workshops and industry events from 12 to 19 November across three venues in the city.

The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), presided over by Hussein Fahmy, has released the full schedule for Cairo Industry Days, taking place from 12 to 19 November 2026 as part of the festival’s 47th edition. The programme brings together filmmakers, industry experts and professionals from Egypt and around the world.

The schedule features a range of masterclasses, in-conversation sessions, panel discussions and workshops, alongside events organised by Cairo Film Connection, Cairo Film Market, the Next Generation Competition and From Book to Screen, a new initiative launching this year.

The masterclasses and conversations will feature prominent figures from Egyptian and international cinema, including Matteo Garrone, Medhat El Adl, Rami Imam, Asif Kapadia, Saeed Shimi, Farouk Falawkas, Asser Yassin, Abderrahmane Sissako, Ahmed Rachedi and Nabil Ayouch. The sessions will offer audiences and filmmakers an opportunity to learn about their creative and professional experiences and hear their perspectives on different aspects of filmmaking.

The programme also includes panel discussions examining key issues and developments in the film industry, including the future of Arab film distribution and theatrical exhibition, the challenges facing Arab women directors, the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, the rise of microdrama, extended reality (XR) experiences, the return of shooting on film in Egypt, and financing strategies for independent films. Other discussions will address how to build audiences for the future and support the next generation of Arab filmmakers.

As part of the festival’s celebrations marking 50 years since its founding, Cairo Industry Days will host a special panel entitled “Fifty Years on the Red Carpet: What Has Cairo International Film Festival Given to Cinema, and What Has Cinema Given in Return?” The discussion will bring together CIFF President Hussein Fahmy, producer Mohamed Hefzy and journalist and writer Sherif El Shobashy.

Cairo Industry Days events will take place across three venues: the Cairo Opera House, the American University in Cairo’s Tahrir Square campus and the Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile hotel.

The published schedule provides audiences, journalists and film professionals with details of session times, venues, participants and admission requirements, including events open to ticket holders, invitation-only sessions and activities accessible to holders of different festival accreditations.

The full Cairo Industry Days schedule is available to view and download here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fEpxiItuzilPY3Xu91YyBRKFkwJgk8FP?usp=sharing

The 47th Cairo International Film Festival runs from 11 to 20 November 2026, marking 50 years since the festival was founded in 1976. Its film and industry programmes bring together international cinema, professional exchange and opportunities for collaboration.

About Cairo Industry Days

Launched in 2018 during the 40th Cairo International Film Festival, Cairo Industry Days (CID) is the festival’s industry platform, dedicated to supporting the development of filmmaking in Egypt, the Arab world and Africa, while strengthening connections with the international film community.

Cairo Industry Days offers filmmakers opportunities for professional training, project development, financing and networking through programmes and initiatives including Cairo Film Connection, Cairo Film Market and Cairo Pro-Meet, alongside masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions.

These activities aim to support emerging talent and Arab film projects, facilitate international co-production and distribution, and expand access to global film markets.

About Cairo International Film Festival

Founded in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most established film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It is officially accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).

Over the past five decades, CIFF has brought together filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world, showcased Egyptian, Arab and international cinema, and supported emerging talent and cultural exchange. Through its competitions, film programmes and industry initiatives, the festival continues to promote cinema and support its development.

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