Hurghada Film Festival

Hurghada Youth Film Festival 2025 - promotional poster.

Ottobre 1, 2025

From September 25 to 30, I had the honor of serving as a jury member at the Hurghada Youth Film Festival—an event that has quickly carved out a space for itself in Egypt’s cultural landscape. Held in the vibrant coastal city of Hurghada and supported by national institutions, the festival is dedicated to cinema by emerging generations, with a focus on youth-driven narratives and cross-cultural dialogue.

“A festival where emerging cinema meets the warmth of a coastal city.”

This year’s edition marked a significant step forward in visibility and ambition. Films from over 30 countries were screened. In the short film section—which I had the pleasure of presenting—the diversity of styles and voices was striking, ranging from poetic micro-narratives to socially engaged storytelling.

The festival’s strength lies in its atmosphere: direct exchange, mutual curiosity, and sincere attention to the films in competition. Invited by Festival President Mohamed El-Basousy (محمد الباسوسي), I shared this experience with colleagues from across the Arab region and beyond, including the gracious Iraqi director and actor Basim Kahar, whose perspective and clarity of thought enriched the informal dialogues that unfolded during the festival.

“In Hurghada, the festival becomes a bridge—linking generations, cultures, and visions for the future.”

As a professional working at the intersection of cinema, education, and cultural programming, I found the Hurghada experience deeply aligned with my broader practice. The festival’s emphasis on emerging talent, intercultural dialogue, and cinematic experimentation resonates with the values I pursue in my own work—whether mentoring young filmmakers, curating workshops, or contributing to international juries.

Special thanks to the super professional Jihan Abdel Latif and Menna Ebaid, and to the entire team behind the festival for their dedication and hospitality. Under Hurghada’s generous light and open horizon, cinema once again proved to be a language of encounter.

Paolo Doppieri