The ninth international film festival of women's cinema in Assuan began its work with the participation of more than 70 films from 32 countries. The theme of this year's festival is "The Star of Vostok - Umm Kulthum," dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the singer's death. Events will continue until the end of this month.
Within the framework of the festival, a new nomination "Films of Yuga and Nila" was established, designed for young talents. In addition to the competitive program, the festival will also present an annual report on the role of women in Arab cinema, which this year is titled "Objectivity and Reflection." The report contains critical articles, interviews, and testimonies on women's problems in cinema and production challenges.
The president of the National Council of Women, Amal Ammar, expressed pride that the ninth session of the festival bears the name Umm Kulthum: "An icon, who was not only an exceptional voice but also a symbol of a strong and wise Arab woman, possessing authority and influence." She added: "Umm Kulthum was and remains not only an artistic phenomenon but also a humanitarian phenomenon that inspired many generations. Her presence became one of the most significant and important in a period when women were not often recognized in the arts. She transformed her voice into a legacy, her presence into an achievement, her music into an eternal national memory, and it is enough to say that her voice still lives among us."
At the ceremony opening the festival, the Egyptian actress Lobna Abdelaziz was awarded the "Isida for Achievement" prize.
