Cairo Industry Days Panels & Workshops
The sixth edition of Cairo Industry Days, running from November 15-20, 2024, offers a dynamic lineup of masterclasses, panels, and workshops covering topics like production, sound designing, story writing, distribution, and pitching. Aimed at fostering essential discussions on industry challenges, Cairo Industry Days provides a platform for Arab filmmakers to connect with global professionals, nurturing emerging talent to develop their cinematic voice.
Global Film Commissions: Film Production Across Borders
In Partnership with Egyptian Film Commission
Speakers: Lu Liang, Mike Fantasia, Alison A. Taylor, Markus Bench, Ian Easterbrook, Khalid Khouri, Abedal Salam Al Haj, Abdelaziz El Bouzdaini
This panel brings together key representatives from global film commissions, including the French National Centre for Cinema, Saudi Film Commission, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Bayern Film Commission, Moroccan Cinema Center, Jordanian Film Commission and Egyptian Film Commission. Alongside industry leaders like Mike Fantasia, Alison A. Taylor, Markus Bench, and Ian Easterbrook, the discussion will focus on co-production opportunities and the challenges of filming foreign productions in the Arab region. Lu Liang of the China Film Administration will emphasize the growth of China’s film industry, while the panel will also examine best practices for fostering collaboration between international filmmakers and local commissions to create dynamic global cinematic opportunities.
Insight into Co-Production in Film Industry.
Speakers: Naomie Lagadec, Ingrid Lill Høgtun and Shahinaz El Akkad.
Moderator: Reem Allam
A panel discussion with esteemed Arab and European producers who have worked on co-producing Arab films. This group of established award-winning female producers will share their career insights, discussing how co-production works, what happens with the film rights regarding local vs international distribution rights, and how co-production can help the project get access to more funds and travel, find distribution, and lobby with sales agents. This panel will introduce to emerging filmmakers the steps needed to reach the stage of co-production, the legal and contractual aspects of it, and the different ways for collaborations between European and Arab producers on film projects.
Horizons of Shorts Distribution
Speakers: Justine Baillargeon, Claire Diao, Marwan Shafie
Moderator: Sawsan Youssef
In this panel, speakers Justine Baillargeon, Claire Diao and Marwan Elshafie explore effective strategies for distributing short films. The discussion will focus on how filmmakers can navigate both local and international markets. Key topics include leveraging film festivals for initial exposure, targeting the right platforms, and understanding the importance of building networks within the festival circuit. Attendees will gain insights on how to create a distribution plan that maximizes visibility, audience engagement, and financial sustainability for their short films.
Challenges and Opportunities in Saudi Film Industry
In Partnership with Saudi Film Commission
Speakers: Hind Al-Fahhad, Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan, and Jawaher Al-Amri
The Saudi film industry has seen rapid growth over the last few years. This panel, featuring leading and promising Saudi filmmakers Hind Al-Fahhad, Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan, and Jawaher Al-Amri, will delve into the unique challenges and opportunities facing Saudi filmmakers today. Topics will include overcoming cultural restrictions, fostering new creative talent, securing international recognition, and addressing local and global audiences, while discussing the personal experiences that have shaped their journeys.
Opportunities by Fulbright Commission in Egypt
In Partnership with Fulbright Commission in Egypt
Speakers: Maggie Nassif, Noha Salah, Mai Ayyad, Yasmine ElHawary, Mokhtar AlDenary, Youssef Hesham Amin
This panel will provide an in-depth look at the range of academic and cultural exchange opportunities available through the Fulbright Program. Featuring representatives from the Fulbright Commission and distinguished alumni, the discussion will highlight scholarships, grants, and fellowships that support Egyptian students, researchers, and professionals in pursuing studies and collaborative projects in the United States. Attendees will learn about the application process, eligibility requirements, and the long-term impact of Fulbright experiences on personal and professional growth.
?Next-Gen Filmmaking: VR and AI Revolution
In partnership with Cairo Film Factory
Speaker: Adly Toma, Mohamed Allam
Moderator: Nahed Nasr
This panel will explore how advanced technologies are transforming the film industry, from storytelling and production workflows to audience engagement. It will delve into virtual production’s role in merging real and virtual settings, allowing filmmakers to visualize scenes in real time, and the immersive potential of virtual reality (VR). Additionally, the panel will discuss AI’s growing influence in scriptwriting, editing, and visual effects, while addressing ethical concerns, including deepfakes and intellectual property rights. Attendees will gain actionable insights on integrating these tools and predictions on the future of personalized cinema and evolving roles in the industry.
Africa Representation in Film
In Partnership with Africa No Filter
Speakers: Faiza Williams, François Bouda
The panel will delve into the representation of Africa in cinema, focusing on how political and controversial topics shape narratives on the continent. Filmmakers have a unique role in addressing complex issues such as colonialism, corruption, and social justice, often providing a platform for disempowering voices. The discussion will highlight how these films can challenge stereotypes and offer nuanced portrayals of African societies.
Restoration of Artists’ Archives
In Partnership with Digitised
Speakers: Elham Shahin, Khaled Hemida, Céline Stéphanie Pozzi
This panel discussion will delve into the importance of preserving and restoring artists’ archives, focusing on the cultural and historical impact of these materials. Featuring insights from celebrated actors and archival experts, the session will explore how preserving scripts, photographs, costumes, and personal writings can offer new perspectives on an artist’s body of work. The panel will discuss the meticulous processes of archiving, from handling delicate materials to digitizing assets for broader accessibility.
New Technologies in Sound Designing
In Partnership with Dolby
Speaker: Monte Taylor, Raby Hamza
Join us for an exclusive masterclass featuring sound designer Monte Taylor and Dolby’s expert Raby Hamza. This insightful session will delve into Dolby’s cutting-edge advancements in sound technology and how it is transforming the cinematic experience. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of Dolby Atmos and its applications in film production, followed by an engaging Q&A session.
Release of Selections from The Seventh Art Magazine
Speakers: Mahmoud Hemida, Osama AbdElfatah
Moderator: Essam Zakara
Industry experts explore the impact of The Seventh Art magazine on cinema and culture. This panel will delve into the magazine’s editorial vision, highlighting its unique role in shaping cinema discourse through curated selections and critical essays. Known for its insightful, high-quality content, The Seventh Art has become a vital platform for showcasing diverse cinematic voices and perspectives, influencing filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts alike. Panelists will discuss the magazine’s legacy, its commitment to independent cinema, and its influence on shaping public and industry appreciation for cinematic art.
WORKSHOPS:
Conveying Meaning through Sound
In partnership with Fulbright Commission in Egypt
Mentor: Monte Taylor
Cairo International Film Festival, in collaboration with the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt, offers a five-day workshop on sound design and editing led by Dr. Monte Taylor, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Technology at Purdue University and a Fulbright US Specialist. This workshop will enhance participants’ understanding of sound, acoustics, and digital audio, covering various tools and techniques for editing, mixing, and sound design. Participants will engage in exploring innovative sound concepts and will have opportunities to share their work, receive peer feedback, and enrich their creative practices in sound design.
17. Pitching Workshop
In partnership with Film Independent
Supported by the US Embassy in Cairo
Mentors: Valerie Castillo Martinez, Javier Fuentes-Léon
An engaging workshop presented by Film Independent and supported by the US Embassy in Cairo, focused on the art of pitching film projects for feature directors. This hands-on session will guide participants through creating a compelling film file and effective pitching techniques. Industry experts will provide insights into structuring a pitch that captures attention, understanding audience dynamics, and presenting your vision. Attendees will also learn about the key components of a successful film file, including loglines, synopses, and visual materials. This workshop is a must for aspiring filmmakers looking to refine their pitching skills and elevate their projects.
How to Make Your Screenplay Attractive to Producers Workshop
Mentors: Mohamed Hussein and Hossam El Kholy
The interactive workshop aims to guide the first steps to realize their work through a series of lectures and intensive meetings held over three days to help them reach production and support entities, understand what these entities seek in new projects, and how to submit and develop screenplays. It features seminars on key topics: the initial script reading, professional formatting, intellectual property protection, creating a compelling pitch deck, concept refinement, navigating script development platforms, industry dos and don’ts, and understanding what companies look for.
Professional Acting Workshop
In Partnership with El Warsha
Mentor: Marwa Gabriel
The Acting Workshop by casting director Marwa Gabriel offers a comprehensive four-day program, designed to refine the skills of aspiring and professional actors alike. With Marwa Gabriel’s vast experience in the film industry, participants will explore essential acting techniques, character development, and on-camera performance. This hands-on workshop provides personalized guidance, helping actors elevate their craft through practical exercises and scene work.
How to pitch you film in 20 Minutes Only?
In partnership with Netflix
Mentor: Chris Mack
In this workshop, filmmakers will master structuring a 20-minute pitch that delivers the essential, engaging details to spark a buyer’s interest. Participants will learn to select standout ideas that differentiate them from the hundreds Netflix reviews annually, honing their projects to attract attention quickly and effectively. Open to writers of all levels, this workshop offers guidance on choosing and presenting ideas that captivate, providing insights that ensure every minute of the pitch counts.
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