The Cairo International Short Film Festival (CISFF) has confirmed its eighth edition will run from December 13 to 18, 2026, once again bringing filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences together in the Egyptian capital to celebrate short-form cinema from around the world.
Submissions are now open, with organisers inviting filmmakers to compete across categories spanning fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental work.
Since launching in 2019, CISFF has grown into one of Egypt’s leading platforms dedicated entirely to short films. Over the years, it’s showcased work from filmmakers across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, giving both emerging and established talent a chance to present their films to international audiences, industry experts, and juries.
The festival has also grown well beyond just screenings. Initiatives like the Cairo Shorts Creative Hub now support talent development through workshops, networking opportunities, and project development programmes, all aimed at strengthening Egypt’s short-film scene and encouraging collaboration between regional and international filmmakers.
For 2026, the festival plans to keep that momentum going, continuing its focus on discovering new voices in global cinema while presenting a diverse lineup of independent short films. Alongside the competitive screenings, expect the usual mix of panel discussions, masterclasses, and industry sessions designed to connect filmmakers with producers, distributors, and festival programmers.
This edition will also bring back fan favourites like the Cairo Films Platform, Live Talks, and a series of specialised workshops, all of which have become key highlights in past editions.
