Cairo: The ninth edition of the Aswan International Women's Film Festival began Friday night, paying tribute to the late icon of Arab music, Umm Kulthum, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the opening ceremony, presented by Jasmin Taha Zaki, unveiled several new elements introduced in this year's program, including the launch of the "South Films" competition and a range of cultural activities hosted in public venues such as the Misr Public Library and city gardens. These include music performances, circus shows, and public dialogues with prominent figures.
The festival pays homage to the Arab music star, Umm Kulthum, not only as a celebrated vocalist but also as an actress whose film work addressed issues central to women's lives. The current edition, which runs till May 7, features 72 films from 34 countries and includes competitions for feature films, short films, socially impactful works, European Union entries, productions from the Aswan workshops, and films representing southern regions.
Actress Dalia El Behairy delivered a speech at the opening ceremony expressing her delight at participating in the event, describing it as a platform for supporting women through cinematic and social initiatives. She called for continued efforts toward a more just and equitable world.
Festival Director Hassan Aboulella noted the distinctive nature of this year's edition, particularly given its dedication to Umm Kulthum. He emphasized the festival's expanded outreach into Aswan's public spaces as a testament to its commitment to engaging with the broader community.
Appreciation was extended to the festival's partners, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Governorate of Aswan, EgyptAir, the National Council for Women, the European Union, and UN Women, among others.
Azza Kamel, vice chair of the Festival's Board of Trustees and Head of the Nut Forum for Women's Issues, remarked that this edition is exceptional, drawing inspiration from Umm Kulthum's artistic and cultural legacy. She praised the singer's unifying influence across the Arab world.
Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, the chair of the Festival's Board of Trustees, affirmed that the timing of the event aligns with national efforts to empower women, consistently highlighted in presidential addresses. She also paid tribute to the women and children of Gaza, referencing a film dedicated to their experiences.
Chairperson of the National Council for Women Amal Ammar underscored the importance of art as a means of cultural dialogue and commended Umm Kulthum's enduring influence as both a national symbol and artistic figure. She encouraged attendees to engage fully with the festival's artistic and intellectual offerings.
Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt and the Arab League Angelina Eichhorst expressed her appreciation for being part of the opening ceremony in Aswan. She highlighted the cinema's capacity to convey themes related to women and described the legendary Umm Kulthum as a global cultural ambassador for Egypt.
Aswan Governor Ismail Kamal welcomed guests and reaffirmed the role of women in Aswan's society. Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy emphasized the importance of preserving Egypt's cultural heritage through cinema and highlighted the dual focus on women and youth within the framework of the New Republic.
The festival honored several distinguished guests, including Syrian actress Kinda Alloush for her contributions to women's representation in film; Dutch filmmaker Elisabeth Fraanje for her documentaries focused on women's issues, during which she raised a Palestinian scarf to show her support for the Palestinian cause; and Egyptian actress Lebleba, who reflected on her extensive career and the honor of being recognized during a festival dedicated to Umm Kulthum.
A message from Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy concluded the proceedings, emphasizing the role of cinema as a medium for raising awareness, promoting national identity, and advancing the discourse on women's rights.