The 45th Cairo International Film Festival organizes a panel led by acclaimed Bosnian filmmaker Danis Tanović

The 45th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), held from November 15 to 22, 2024, featured a highlight panel led by acclaimed Bosnian filmmaker Danis Tanović, known for his Oscar-winning film No Man’s Land.

Tanović, who also served as the President of the Official Competition Jury, shared insights into his creative process, his filmmaking philosophy, and the evolving dynamics of global cinema.

During the panel, Tanović discussed the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides, reflecting on his own experiences making films that tackle complex socio-political themes.

"The day I decided to become a director, I was afraid of bombs. When I entered one of my friends' underground studios, I met a friend who was creating sculptures during the war in Bosnia. This is what I presented through a film that tells the stories of four artists during the war, which was watched by many people around the world due to its screening in several countries," he said.

He emphasized the importance of authenticity in cinema and the power of independent filmmaking to challenge mainstream narratives.

"The most important part of working on any film is the story, what you want to tell, and what you want the audience to see. When I was working on a film in Croatia, I chose to work with a cinematographer who had never really worked on films before. When I saw his first shots, I decided to continue working with him. It’s important for a director to be knowledgeable about every aspect of filmmaking, not just directing. That’s why I learned cinematography, production, and even acting.”

The panel attracted both emerging filmmakers and seasoned industry professionals, fostering a vibrant dialogue about the future of cinema.

This edition of CIFF also celebrated short films, a growing cinematic format, by introducing competitive and non-competitive sections to highlight emerging talent.

Alongside Tanović’s contributions, the festival honored Egyptian filmmaker Yousry Nasrallah with the Golden Pyramid Award For Lifetime Achievement and Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz with the Faten Hamama Excellence Award.

CIFF is continuously solidifying its role as a hub for regional and international cinematic exchange.