The 7th edition of the Cairo International Short Film Festival is set to take place from 16 to 21 December 2025 at the prestigious Egyptian Opera House. Known for celebrating bold, daring, and innovative short films, Cairo Shorts has become a hub for independent filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
This edition promises to elevate the art of short-form cinema even further, offering audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience filled with fresh voices and creative storytelling.
A Golden‑Tower Tribute: Celebrating Icons
Image via website
This year’s festival is not only focusing on emerging talent but also on honouring the masters of Egyptian cinema. Veteran director Marwan Hamed and celebrated composer Rajeh Dawood will receive the coveted Golden Tower for their lifetime contributions to the film industry.
This emotional tribute will take place on opening night, setting a tone of reverence and celebration and highlighting the festival’s mission to bridge the past, present, and future of cinema in Egypt.
New Programmes Where Global & Local Visions Unite
Cairo Shorts 2025 introduces exciting new programmes that expand its creative horizons. The Eye on European Cinema segment will present a selection of European short films to Egyptian audiences for the first time, offering a rare opportunity to experience international storytelling on the big screen.
In addition, the festival has launched the Cairo Films Platform, curated by esteemed critic and researcher Ahmed Al-Masiri, which will support local filmmakers and documentaries, offering a year-round platform to foster creativity, production, and distribution of short films.
What Makes this Festival Stand Out
Cairo Shorts continues to distinguish itself through its commitment to immersive, live theatrical screenings paired with engaging Q&A sessions. Audiences are given the unique opportunity to interact with filmmakers and delve into the creative processes behind each film, creating an intimate connection with the art form.
The festival is dedicated to independent, off-mainstream cinema, showcasing daring, experimental works that are often overlooked by larger festivals. Beyond celebrating finished films, Cairo Shorts actively supports filmmakers year-round through workshops, seminars, and the new Cairo Films Platform, helping them produce and distribute their work while cultivating a vibrant creative community.
What It Means for Creators & Film‑Lovers
For filmmakers, this edition of Cairo Shorts is a reminder that short cinema matters and that there is a platform in Cairo eager to elevate and connect artistic voices. For audiences, the festival offers a rich tapestry of experimental narratives, cross-cultural dialogues, and inventive storytelling.
From local gems to European debuts, every screening promises to inspire, provoke, and celebrate the love of cinema. Cairo Shorts is a festival that not only showcases films but also reminds everyone why the art of storytelling through film remains vital, relevant, and thrilling.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cairo Shorts
As the 7th edition of Cairo Shorts approaches, the festival reaffirms its role as a vital platform for daring, independent storytelling. It is more than a celebration of films; it is a space where ideas collide, cultures connect, and the next generation of filmmakers find inspiration and opportunity.
Whether you are a creator or a cinephile, this festival promises to leave a lasting impression, reminding everyone that the short film is not just a format but a powerful medium capable of capturing bold visions, sparking conversations, and shaping the future of cinema in Egypt and beyond.
