The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), presided over by veteran actor Hussein Fahmy, has signed a sponsorship agreement with Bayt Al-Hikma Culture Group. Under this agreement, the group will serve as the official publisher for the books of the festival's 47th edition, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 20, 2026. This collaboration aims to support cinematic culture, document creative journeys, and strengthen ties between the publishing and film industries.
The agreement was signed by actor Hussein Fahmy, President of CIFF, and Dr. Ahmed El-Saeed, Founder and CEO of Bayt Al-Hikma Culture Group. The group will publish six new books during the upcoming edition, ranging from biographies documenting the careers of honorees to specialized film studies and retrospective highlights from the festival's rich history.
Hussein Fahmy expressed his delight at collaborating with Bayt Al-Hikma, emphasizing the crucial role of books in documenting film history and preserving filmmakers' experiences. "At the Cairo Festival, we believe our role extends beyond screening films and honoring filmmakers to fostering cinematic culture and passing knowledge to new generations. Books are an essential part of this mission, preserving the legacies of artists and offering researchers and audiences deeper insights. I am thrilled about our partnership with Bayt Al-Hikma, especially as we mark the 50th anniversary of the festival's founding this year," Fahmy stated.
Fahmy added: "What excites me most about this partnership is that it bridges publishing and film production through the 'Book to Screen' initiative. Arabic literature is rich with ideas, stories, and characters deserving of cinematic and dramatic adaptations. I hope this initiative fosters new projects and creates genuine opportunities for collaboration between publishers and filmmakers."
For his part, Dr. Ahmed El-Saeed, Founder and CEO of Bayt Al-Hikma Culture Group, expressed pride in partnering with CIFF, noting that the collaboration stems from the group's belief in the integration of various cultural art forms.
El-Saeed commented: "Our partnership with CIFF springs from our conviction that books are an integral partner in cultural life. Festival books preserve its memory; while what appears on screen lasts a few days, books offer a lasting lifespan. We are honored to contribute to preserving this memory alongside one of the region's most prestigious film festivals."
The edition's publications include four books focusing on personalities celebrated by the festival this year. Leading the list is 'Asser Yassin: The Daring Knight' by critic Safaa El-Leithy, detailing the career of star Asser Yassin, recipient of the Faten Hamama Excellence Award. Another title is 'Medhat El-Adl: Cinema of a Bewildered Generation' by Amgad Gamal, examining the career of screenwriter and poet Medhat El-Adl and his contributions to Egyptian cinema.
Additionally, renowned cinematographer Said Shimi presents 'Film Thought and Cinema Eye', offering insights from his long career behind the camera and his perspective on cinematography's relation to visual construction and meaning. CIFF will also release a dedicated book on Italian director Matteo Garrone titled 'Matteo Garrone's Cinema: The Stranger's Tale' by Hassan Salama, exploring Garrone's cinematic universe and unique creative journey.
The lineup also features 'Golden Pyramid Films (1976–2025): A Closer Look' by Khaled Abdel Aziz, revisiting CIFF's history through its top award winners since its inaugural edition in 1976, offering a critical analysis of five decades of Golden Pyramid winners.
The sixth title is 'Night Walk: Readings in Genre Cinema' by Karim El-Dalil, examining horror, thriller, sci-fi, and other genre films through analytical essays exploring their artistic and narrative attributes.
These publications reflect CIFF's dedication to extending its cultural impact beyond screening halls by documenting artistic legacies and enriching the Arab film library with valuable references for researchers, critics, and upcoming filmmakers.
The partnership extends beyond book publishing: Bayt Al-Hikma will participate in the newly launched 'Book to Screen' forum, making its debut during Cairo Film Connection / Cairo Industry Days at the 47th edition.
The forum aims to unlock new collaborative possibilities between publishing houses and screen industries, providing producers, directors, and screenwriters an opportunity to discover literary works suitable for screen adaptation, while fostering professional discussions on rights, adaptations, and co-development.
This partnership comes during the 50th anniversary year of CIFF's founding, giving special significance to documenting festival memories, revisiting milestones, and reinforcing its pivotal role in advancing cinema culture.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Founded in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the Arab world and Africa. CIFF holds official accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as the sole competitive 'Category A' international film festival in the Arab world and Africa.
The festival serves as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge international cinema, supporting new talents, and fostering cultural dialogue between filmmakers and audiences, alongside its growing industry role through Cairo Industry Days.
About Bayt Al-Hikma Culture Group
Established in 2011, Bayt Al-Hikma is an Egyptian cultural group operating in publishing, translation, and cultural industries, dedicated to enhancing exchange between the Arab world and global cultures. The group has published over 1,000 translated titles and earned over twenty prestigious accolades, including the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (2024), Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation (2021), Best Egyptian Publisher (2024), and Best Arab Publisher (2026).
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