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. |
How to upgrade your outdated acronyms to keep up with Gen ZChinese vice premier urges intensified emergency rescue, flood response workYanqing kicks off Chinese New Year celebrationChina sees 160M domestic tourist trips during May Day holidayChina's proactive opening up expands mutual dividendsSpring Festival spending highlights momentum of China's economyItalian restaurant savors success in Tianjin's bustling historic areaSpring Festival spending highlights momentum of China's economyNative Youth Olympics: Alaska’s Indigenous teens emulate ancestors’ Arctic survival skillsDonald Trump is running against Joe Biden. But he keeps bringing up another Democrat: Jimmy Carter