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. |
Miles Russell is 15. He sets Korn Ferry Tour record as the youngest player to make the cutKnicks and 76ers got past injuries that could've ruined them. Now they meet in playoffsIowa lawmakers approve bill just in time to increase compensation for Boy Scout abuse victimsProbe underway into highway school bus fire that sent 10 students fleeing in New JerseyDebate over tight end value hovers over Brock Bowers' draft prospectsStreamlined logistics allow landlocked regions to expand global reachBuffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula explores selling nonFederal officials are investigating a Rockies coach's cockpit visit during a United flightClosing prices for crude oil, gold and other commoditiesPreviewing the 1st round of the NBA playoffs, which start on Saturday