Lead:
Two Egyptian films are competing to represent the country at the 99th Academy Awards in the international feature category. Meanwhile, cultural institutions across Cairo continue programming new seasons of performance festivals, documentary releases, and artist tributes that mark both innovation and remembrance in Egypt's entertainment sector.
Top Stories:
"Qabla al-Dhuhur" (I Owe You A Touch), directed by Marwan al-Shafei, is advancing through international film circuits after a successful Arab tour, now participating formally in the Silicon Valley African Cinema Festival in the United States. The Egyptian short film continues its international run following critical reception across the region.The fifth edition of the Performance Arts Festival at the Higher Institute of Popular Arts opens under the name of late artist Karim Muttawi, featuring five theatrical productions and emerging young talent. The festival honors the deceased performer while presenting contemporary stage work.The Egyptian Radio of Songs marked September 9 by broadcasting an original recording of vocalist Umm Kulthum with composer Riyad al-Sunbati for the first time, celebrating the late maestro's legacy through archival audio. The station commemorated al-Sunbati's memory through the exclusive premiere.Cynthia Khalifa is joining the cast of "The Blue Elephant 3," starring alongside Karim Abdel Aziz and Nelly Karim in the third installment of the film series. The Lebanese-Egyptian actress expands her work in Egyptian cinema through this franchise continuation.The Naguib Mahfouz Museum and Creativity Center is hosting free workshops on September 12 and 19 exploring artificial intelligence and the arts, held at Takiyat Muhammad Abu al-Dhahab on Al-Azhar Street. The cultural institution offers public programming connecting technology and creative practice.Coming Up:
Musician Rami Sabri performs a concert in Abu Dhabi on November 28. Singer Bahaa Sultan and Rami Jamal perform together in Jeddah on September 18 as part of the Jeddah Season festival.