The eighth edition of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) opens Saturday night in Egypt's city of Aswan by the Nile River with a red-carpet ceremony.
The annual event, attended by dozens of Egyptian and foreign artists, filmmakers and critics, sheds light on women's causes and rights in Egypt and the Middle East region through filmmaking.
This year's festival runs until Thursday, attracting 76 selections of feature films and short films from 35 countries to rival in various competition sections.
"The AIWFF is the first festival with a specialized program of filmmaking workshops for the youth in the region, led by industry professionals, bringing the educational opportunities and skills needed to Aswan," AIWFF director Hassan Abu-Ela told Xinhua.
This year's edition has special programs for Sudanese and Palestinian films with a focus on women.
Palestinian film director Rashid Masharawi said it is important for the Arab world's patriarchal society to shed light on the issues and problems facing women through cinema and film festivals.
"The AIWFF is developing rapidly and the participation of movies, filmmakers and workers in the field is increasing notably every year, which means the festival is a real success," Egyptian film director Hala Khalil told Xinhua.
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Fernando Alonso commits his future to Aston Martin by signing new two
Cleanup of homeless encampment along Santa Ana River hits a snag in Newport Beach
Kris Jenner, 68, looks chic in D&G dress for 'date night' with longtime boyfriend Corey Gamble, 43
Paulo Dybala mocks Matteo Guendouzi by during ill
Bayern Munich kick a ball around a £3,500
Blake Lively says she dreamed up husband Ryan Reynolds as she promotes their new animated film IF
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is cut from 80/1 to ODDS