CIFF’s press conference to be held oct.29

CAIRO – 28 October 2018: Cairo International Film Festival will hold a press conference on Monday, October 29 to announce all the details pertaining to the 40th edition of the festival.

The 40th round of the Cairo International Film Festival will be launched on November 20 and will end on November 29.

Festival Head Mohamed Hefzy invited acclaimed local and international cinematic figures to attend the press conference, during which he will reveal the details of the upcoming edition and the films of its various sections, as well as the Egyptian, Arab and foreign stars who will be honored.

Hefzy affirmed that the festival’s management will provide all the necessary equipment and settings to enable the festival to come out in the best way possible.

Hefzy will talk about the crisis that followed the festival's decision to honor French director Claude Lelouch; the decision was cancelled due to the objection of many Egyptian filmmakers as Lelouch’s opinions support Israel.

The American film "Green Book" is set to screen at the opening ceremony of the Cairo International Film Festival's 40th edition.

"Green Book" is considered one of the most important films competing for the 2019 Oscar Awards; it is directed by Peter Varley and stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali.

The film is based on a true story that took place in the 1960s as racial discrimination heightened in the United States. An Italian-born driver with racial tendencies takes a black-skinned pianist on a tour around the southern states where racism reached its highest levels.

The film was granted the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, the largest audience selection awards to ever exist.

Film director Varley, who is also known internationally for presenting light comedy films, made sure his brother, Bob Varley, played a role in “Green Book” unlike any other role he played before.

The movie presented a serious topic, but the actors did not lose their comedian attire.
Cairo International Film Festival’s management selected prominent Danish director Bille August to preside the jury of the International Competition in the 40th edition of the festival.

"Bille August is one of the eminent names in cinema; his films have captured the hearts of audiences all over the world.

It is an honor to have him as the jury president in this historic 40th edition of the festival,” recounted Hefzy, CIFF president.

August is one of few directors around the world who was awarded three of the most prestigious cinematic awards during his long career: The Academy Award, Palm d'Or and the Golden Globe. Also, he is one of eight directors throughout history who have received the Palm d'Or twice.

"I am excited and honored to be the jury president of this year's Cairo International Film Festival and looking forward to watching all the films from around the world along with the jury members,” said August.

The artistic director of CIFF, veteran cinematic critic Youssef Cherif Rizkallah, announced that the International Competition will host other internationally acclaimed jury members beside August, as it will include for the first time this year a notable group of filmmakers who have wide and unique artistic experiences.