President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and famous Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 20, 2025. Hussein Fahmy praised China's notable presence at the recently concluded 46th edition of the festival, describing Chinese films as important, longstanding, and highly regarded by Egyptian filmmakers.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and famous Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy praised China's notable presence at the recently concluded 46th edition of the festival, describing Chinese films as important, longstanding, and highly regarded by Egyptian filmmakers.

"Chinese participation grows each year. This year, we have a Chinese jury member and several Chinese films in the festival. This is very important to us," Fahmy said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

At this year's CIFF, the Chinese film The Botanist, directed by Jing Yi, won the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema Award for Best Asian Feature Film, and the International Critics' Week Special Mention Award. In addition, renowned Chinese director Guan Hu received the festival's Lifetime Achievement Golden Pyramid Award during Friday's closing ceremony.

In addition to The Botanist, this year's CIFF also featured other Chinese works. The China Global Television Network documentary Cherished Land was screened in the International Panorama section, and Guan Hu served on the festival's International Competition's Jury before receiving CIFF's highest honorary award.

"Chinese film is very important, and we in Egypt have been interested in it for many years," Fahmy said, highlighting the growing cooperation in the film industry between Egypt and China in recent years.

Last year, the CIFF signed a cooperation agreement with China Media Group, and this year Fahmy strengthened ties between CIFF and the Golden Panda Awards during his visit to Chengdu in southwest China.

"Chinese technology has helped us a great deal. At the cinematic restoration center in the Egyptian Media Production City, many of our Chinese friends work with us on restoration, and we use a lot of Chinese equipment that helps us deliver the best we can for Egyptian cinema," he noted.

Fahmy said that the CIFF is committed to presenting Egyptian audiences with diverse international films.

"Different cultures matter to us, especially Chinese culture, which is ancient, deeply rooted, and rich in traditions. It is important for Egyptian audiences to see these cultures," he said.

Praising China's rapid progress, Fahmy said that "Chinese cinema is advancing without a doubt. China is a very advanced country with remarkable capabilities, and its cinema is expanding and will gain an even greater position worldwide."

Founded in 1976, the CIFF is the Arab world's oldest internationally accredited film festival and one of the most prestigious film events in Africa and the Middle East. The 46th edition, which ran from Nov. 12 to 21 at the Cairo Opera House, featured around 150 films from around the world. ■