“Dragonfly” Wins Top Prize at 46th Cairo International Film Festival
The Paul Andrew Williams-directed drama “Dragonfly” received the Golden Pyramid for best film at the 46th cairo International Film Festival, which concluded on November 21st. The prestigious award, accompanied by a $7,000 prize, was presented to the film’s producer during a ceremony at the Cairo Opera House, with an international jury led by Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan presiding over the selection.
The jury lauded “Dragonfly” as a “profound exploration of solitude.” The film, writen by Williams, centers on the burgeoning and unexpected friendship between a man and a young Syrian refugee.
Several other films were also recognized during the festival. “The Mother of All Fears,” directed by Iraqi filmmaker Karim Al-Salman, secured the Silver Pyramid for best directing, along with a $5,000 prize. “The Host,” directed by Philippe Godeau, earned the Bronze Pyramid for best actor, with a $3,000 prize. “The Girl with the Broken Smile,” directed by Ahmed Abdalla, was awarded the best Arab feature, which includes a $10,000 prize from Watch It.
Şeyhmus Altun’s “As We Breathe” was honored with the Bronze Pyramid Special Jury award and a $3,000 prize. Mathieu Giombin received the Henry Barakat Award for his artistic contribution to cinematography in “Sand City,” directed by Bangladeshi filmmaker Mahde Hasan. Alireza Khatami’s screenplay for “The Things You Kill” earned him the Naguib Mahfouz Award, while Zahraa Ghandour’s iraqi documentary “flannel” received a special mention from the Best Arab Film Jury.
Horizons of Arab Cinema Spotlights Emerging Talent
The Horizons of Arab Cinema competition showcased a new wave of Arab filmmakers. Sarah Francis’ “Dead Dog” was named best Arab film in this category,winning the Saad Eldin Wahba Award valued at $10,000. The jury praised the film’s ability to “immerse us in physical and psychological spaces.”
Afaf Ben Mahmoud’s performance in mohamed Ali Nahdi’s “Round 13” earned her the best performance award within the Horizons competition. Yasser shafie’s “Complaint No. 713377” received the best script award ($5,000), and Ali Saeed’s Saudi documentary “Anti Cinema” was awarded the Salah Abu Seif Jury Prize ($8,000).
The Youssef Sherif Rizkallah Audience Award, worth $15,000 and supported by Cred, went to “One More Show,” a documentary by Mai Saad and ahmed Al Danaf focusing on the Free Gaza Circus. Nicholas Khoury’s “Souraya, My Love” was recognized as the best documentary.
Further awards included the International Critics’ Week Shadi Abdel Salam Prize for best film, presented to Alex Bakri’s “Habibi Hussein,” and the Fathy Farag Special Jury Award, given to tim Ellrich for “In My parent’s House.” Jing Yi’s “The Botanist” received a special mention from the jury,and also earned the Network for the Promotion of Asian Film Award for its “unique reflection on the power of nature” and its commentary on a changing society. Alireza Khatami was again recognized, receiving the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award for “The Things you Kill.”
The festival also included a poignant tribute to six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab,whose story is featured in the closing film,”The Voice of Hind Rajab.”
CIFF president Hussein Fahmy underscored the power of cinema to convey impactful narratives and amplify marginalized voices. He also emphasized the festival’s commitment to fostering opportunities for Arab filmmakers and bolstering their ability to share their stories on a global stage.
The closing ceremony also honored several industry veterans. Lifetime achievement awards were presented to acclaimed Chinese director Guan Hu, Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi – whose film “Silent Friend” had screened to a packed audience the night prior – and renowned Egyptian cinematographer Mahmoud Abdel Samie.
Looking ahead, CIFF has forged a strategic partnership with Qatar’s Film Commission at Doha Media City, aiming to encourage co-productions, cultivate talent, and expand international distribution channels for Arab cinema.
