The event, launched on 29 November 2025, celebrates Chinese filmmaking while strengthening cooperation between film professionals from both nations.
The opening ceremony was headlined by the cast and creative team behind The Lychee Road, known in China as Chang’an De Li Zhi. Director Da Peng and the film’s producers joined Egyptian officials, including Ahmed Badawy and Dr. Ahmed Saleh, representing key sectors of Egypt’s film industry. Their presence underscored the importance of the festival as a platform for international collaboration.
A day before the festival’s kickoff, the team behind The Lychee Road held a major press briefing in Cairo, generating excitement among critics, industry leaders, and regional media. The Chinese delegation emphasized their commitment to long-term cooperation with Egyptian filmmakers, highlighting opportunities for joint productions and cultural exchange.
More than 50 film professionals from Egypt and China attended the opening, signaling a shared ambition to expand cross-border filmmaking. Organizers noted that the festival aims not only to showcase Chinese cinema but also to build sustainable partnerships that enhance storytelling, production standards, and distribution channels across both countries.
Central to this goal is the work of the Egypt Film Commission, which played a prominent role during the event. The commission reaffirmed its position as Egypt’s primary authority for supporting foreign productions, offering comprehensive assistance for international creators interested in filming in the country. As a subsidiary of the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC), the commission provides filmmakers with access to one of the region’s most expansive media hubs.
EMPC, spanning more than 2 million square meters, remains the largest production facility in the Middle East. It features state-of-the-art studios, vast outdoor backlots, modern post-production services, and dozens of television and broadcasting channels. These capabilities make Egypt a competitive destination for global film collaborations, including future Egyptian–Chinese co-productions.
With Chinese Film Week Cairo 2025 now underway, both sides are optimistic that the event will pave the way for deeper creative ties, new joint film projects, and expanded cultural understanding. As screenings and discussions continue throughout the week, the festival stands as a symbol of the strengthening relationship between two of the region’s most dynamic film industries.
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