UPDATE: Paul Andrew Williams’ film Dragonfly has just been awarded the top prize at the Cairo Film Festival, an event that showcased powerful cinematic narratives from around the globe. The prestigious $7,000 prize was announced during a ceremony at the Cairo Opera House, led by an international jury chaired by acclaimed Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan, who praised the film as a “profound exploration of solitude.”
This award comes at a crucial moment for filmmakers, highlighting the importance of storytelling in today’s world. Dragonfly tells the compelling story of two women who form an unlikely friendship as one cares for her elderly neighbor. The film’s stars, Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn, both received the best actress award for their captivating performances, further elevating the film’s status.
The festival, which premiered in June 2023 at the Tribeca Film Festival, also honored several other exceptional works. The Silver Pyramid for best director went to Tarzan and Arab Nasser, accompanied by a $5,000 cash prize. The best actor award was awarded to Majd Eid, while the best Arab feature received a significant $10,000 from Watch It.
In addition, the Bronze Pyramid Special Jury Award and a $3,000 cash prize were presented to Şeyhmus Altun for his Turkish film, while Mathieu Giombin earned the Henry Barakat Award for best artistic contribution in cinematography for his work on Mahde Hasan‘s film.
The festival also spotlighted the work of Iraqi filmmaker Zahraa Ghandour, whose documentary received a special mention from the Best Arab Film Jury. Meanwhile, Lebanese filmmaker Sarah Francis was celebrated as the best Arab film winner in the Horizons of Arab Cinema competition, taking home the $10,000 Saad Eldin Wahba Award.
The ceremony was marked by emotional tributes, including a heartfelt recognition of six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, the subject of the closing film. CIFF president Hussein Fahmy emphasized the transformative power of cinema to convey impactful stories and uplift marginalized voices. He reiterated the festival’s commitment to creating opportunities for Arab filmmakers to share their narratives on the international stage.
In a significant move to bolster Arab cinema, CIFF signed a cooperation agreement with Qatar’s Film Commission at Doha Media City. This initiative aims to enhance co-productions, talent development, and international distribution, reflecting a strategic effort to strengthen the reach of Arab filmmakers.
As the festival wraps up, industry experts and filmmakers alike are eagerly anticipating the ripple effects of these awards on future projects and collaborations. The Cairo Film Festival continues to establish itself as a vital platform for showcasing both emerging and established talents in the film industry.
Stay tuned for more updates from the festival and the latest developments in the world of cinema.
