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. |
Commanders release Shaka Toney after he was reinstated following a gambling suspensionStorm relief and funding for programs related to Maine's deadliestCommanders release Shaka Toney after he was reinstated following a gambling suspensionTrevor Bauer ties a Mexican League record with 9 consecutive strikeoutsDelta Air Lines, facing another union attempt to organize flight attendants, is raising their paySeattle Kraken GM Ron Francis leaves open possibility of changes after team misses playoffsTrevor Bauer ties a Mexican League record with 9 consecutive strikeoutsCleveland Guardians are off to a blazing start with MLB's best record under rookie managerWelcome to Britain's strictest estate: How neighbours have to follow a 32US report: ‘Ethnic cleansing’ of Rohingya took place last year — Radio Free Asia