Violence against Women” seminar in CIFF

CAIRO – 26 November 2017: On Saturday, November 25, the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) conducted a “Violence Against Women” seminar at the Cairo Opera House. The seminar came in recognistion of the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” which falls on November 25 each year.

The seminar started with a minute of silence for the victims of the Arish terrorist attack.
"We will resist violence against women by raising awareness pertaining to all forms of violence, and by taking the necessary procedures to combat violence against women through film, television, culture, and all the other forms of art" recounted Magda Wassef, the Head of the Cairo International Film Festival.

Orange ribbons were distributed during the seminar and throughout the day to raise awareness of the harassment women face in their daily lives. The seminar also addressed how the international film industry approaches violence against women.

The seminar was attended by CIFF Honorary President Youssra, CIFF Artistic Director Youssef Cherif Rizkallah, the Ambassador of Australia in Egypt Neil Hawkins, Deputy Country Director (UN Women) Jorg Schimmel, Screenwriter Medhat El Adl, Screenwriter Mariam Naoum, Syrian Writer Hoda El-Zein, Dr. Mervat Abou Ouf, and actress Elham Shahin. The event was coordinated by Film Critic Magda Maurice.