Cover via website & images via CIFF

As the 46th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) prepares to roll out its red carpet from November 12 to 21, 2025, filmmakers and media artists are being offered a unique opportunity to expand their creative and technical skills through two specialised industry workshops under Cairo Industry Days.

 

Beyond the Frame: Interactive Storytelling

In partnership with Fulbright-Egypt, CIFF is hosting “Beyond the Frame: Interactive Storytelling”, led by Sylvia Johnson, a Fulbright U.S. Specialist, filmmaker, and Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico.

This dynamic, hands-on workshop is designed for creatives eager to explore how technology can transform storytelling. Participants will experiment with projection, sound, and interactive tools such as Mad Mapper and Touch Designer to turn visuals and audio into immersive, spatial experiences.

 

More About the Beyond the Frame Workshop

The programme blends conceptual discussions with practical sessions, introducing immersive media workflows and fostering collaboration across disciplines. By the end, attendees will have produced short immersive storytelling prototypes, gaining tools to expand their narratives beyond the traditional screen.

 

Eligibility for Registration: Who Is It For

The workshop, held in collaboration with Coventry University as part of Cairo’s XR: New Media Program, welcomes Egyptian nationals or residents aged 18 or above who are proficient in English and have a background in filmmaking, media arts, game design, or a related creative field. Prior experience with immersive software is not required; only curiosity, openness, and a desire to experiment are required. The application deadline is November 3, 2025.

 

Digital Restoration Workshop

For filmmakers interested in preserving cinematic heritage, CIFF and Coventry University (Cairo Branch, hosted by The Knowledge Hub Universities) have announced a second programme titled “Digital Restoration.”

This workshop is conducted by The Jocelyne Saab Association film restoration experts Mounir Al Mahmoud, Ossen El Sawaf, and Idir Ben Slama, who will guide participants through the science, ethics, and artistry of film restoration.

 

More About the Digital Restoration Workshop

Attendees will learn the complete digital restoration process from scanning and digitising film elements to repairing image and sound defects such as scratches, fading, and distortion, all while maintaining historical and artistic authenticity. The programme also includes hands-on training with industry-standard restoration software, colour grading for historical accuracy, and archival best practices to preserve Egypt’s cinematic legacy.

 

Eligibility for Registration: Who Is It For

This workshop is open to Egyptian citizens or residents aged 18 or older with a background in filmmaking and a commitment to attending all sessions during Cairo Industry Days. The submission deadline is Sunday, November 3, 2025.

 

How to Register

Interested applicants must complete the following steps to apply for either workshop: create an account on Eventival (CIFF’s official submission and accreditation platform), log in to the CIFF website and select the desired workshop under the “Workshops” section, fill out the online application form and submit all required details before the deadline.