Arab Film Support and Funding Programme at the Cairo International Film Festival 2026

The Cairo International Film Festival has opened applications for the 12th edition of the Cairo Film Connection (CFC), a professional co-production platform that supports Arab feature-film projects in the development and post-production stages.

The programme helps Arab directors and producers develop their projects, access financing, co-production, and distribution opportunities, and connect with producers, funders, distributors, festival representatives, and international film institutions.

The Cairo Film Connection will take place as part of the 47th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, scheduled for November 11–20, 2026.

Eligible Project Categories

The programme accepts:

1. Feature-length fiction film projects.
2. Feature-length documentary and non-fiction film projects.
3. Projects in the development stage.
4. Projects in the post-production stage.

Selected participants will receive the following benefits:

1. Full accreditation to attend the Cairo International Film Festival.
2. Travel and accommodation coverage for four days for participants residing outside Cairo.
3. Access to Cairo Industry Days events, except for closed workshops.
4. Participation in official receptions and networking events.
5. Attendance at daily networking sessions with film industry professionals.
6. A customized schedule of one-on-one meetings with producers, funders, distributors, and potential partners.
7. Promotion of the project through the Cairo Film Connection catalogue, the official website, and international media.
8. Professional mentorship and guidance sessions to support project development.
9. The opportunity to compete for cash grants, production services, and in-kind awards offered by the programme and its partners.
10. Stronger opportunities for international co-production and access to film markets and festivals.

The project and applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. The director must be an Arab national or of Arab origin.
2. The project must be a feature-length fiction or documentary film.
3. The project must be in the development or post-production stage.
4. The director must have completed at least one film, whether short or feature-length.
5. A producer or production company must be attached to the project at the time of application.
6. The team must hold all legal rights required to submit and develop the project.
7. Selected participants must be able to present and discuss the project in English.
8. Participants must attend all programme days, meetings, and required activities.

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