Egyptian film critic and programmer Mohamed Tarek has been named the new artistic director of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), assuming the role immediately. Festival president Hussein Fahmy announced the appointment at the Berlinale.
Tarek succeeds Essam Zakaria, who served as artistic director for the 45th edition last year. Having previously worked as a creative consultant for CIFF in 2023 and as deputy artistic director in 2022, Tarek brings extensive experience to the role.
In addition to his work with CIFF, Tarek is a programmer at Cinema Akil in the UAE, a short film programmer for the Dublin International Film Festival, and a project director for “Cinema for Development” at Cairo’s Jesuit Cultural Centre. His past roles include film programmer at El Gouna Film Festival, selection committee member at Durban FilmMart, and consultant for MedFest Egypt and the Goethe-Institut. He is also an alumnus of the Locarno Industry Academy in Beirut and the Durban Talents programme.
Fahmy, who has led CIFF since 2022, stated that Tarek’s appointment is part of the festival’s early preparations for its upcoming edition, set to take place from November 12-21.
