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. |
Sports discussed as a force in rural revitalization at Two SessionsArkansas lawmakers question governor's staff about purchase of $19,000 lecternBarbra Banda joins her Orlando Pride teammates for her first practice with the teamRanger Suárez and Bryce Harper help the Phillies beat the Rockies 5Man gets 4 death sentences for kidnapping, rape and murder of 5How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 4/16/2024Travel boom sees 740 mln trips made in 3Kiefer Sutherland reunites with Stand By Me coBlue Jays activate AllTravel boom sees 740 mln trips made in 3