47th Cairo International Film Festival

The 47th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) takes place in Cairo, Egypt, from 11 to 20 November 2026. It is one of the Arab world's best-known film festivals, with screenings, international competitions and industry programmes. The Cairo International Film Festival 2026 suits film lovers, culture-focused travellers and film professionals who want to combine cinema with a visit to Cairo and Giza.

About Cairo International Film Festival

CIFF presents feature films from around the world, with competitions and awards. Its top awards are the Pyramid prizes, such as the Golden Pyramid of the International Competition. The festival's president is the well-known Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi.

Alongside public screenings, the festival runs several industry programmes, which its official website lists as:

• Cairo Industry Days, the festival's professional programme.
• Cairo Film Connection, a co-production platform for Arab film projects.
• Cairo Film Market and Cairo Pro-Meet, for business meetings and networking.
• Cairo's XR, an Extended Reality programme returning for its second edition in 2026.
• New Wave, a programme whose second edition is part of the 2026 festival.

Journalists and film professionals can apply for accreditation through the official website. The festival also has an official app for exploring the programme.

Cairo International Film Festival 2026 dates and venue

The Cairo International Film Festival 2026 dates are 11–20 November 2026, which gives ten days of screenings and events.

The festival's official address is the Cairo Opera House in Cairo. Screenings may take place at more than one location, so check the venues and daily programme on the official Cairo International Film Festival website or the festival app.

How to get to Cairo for the Film Festival

The main gateway is Cairo International Airport (CAI), north-east of the city centre. From the airport, travellers can reach central Cairo and Zamalek by taxi, ride-hailing or pre-booked transfer.

Cairo traffic is heavy at most times of day. Allow plenty of time to reach evening screenings, and consider staying close to the main festival venues to reduce travel.

Where to stay

For a trip to Cairo for the film festival, good areas include:

• Zamalek, on Gezira Island near the Cairo Opera House, with cafés and a calmer atmosphere.
• Downtown Cairo and the Nile Corniche, with many hotels and easy access to the island.
• Giza, for travellers who want to focus on the Pyramids, though it is further from the festival.

November is a popular month to visit Egypt, so book hotels early.

Planning a group trip to Cairo International Film Festival

A Cairo Film Festival travel package can combine cinema with Egypt's great sights. Tips for agencies:

• Check how public tickets are sold on the official website or app, and confirm screening times before you set the itinerary.
• Build in sightseeing days for the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian museums and Islamic Cairo.
• For industry groups, look at the accreditation options and the dates of the industry programmes.
• Include airport and evening transfers, as screenings can end late.
• Ask travellers to check the official entry requirements for Egypt.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Cairo International Film Festival 2026?

The 47th Cairo International Film Festival takes place from 11 to 20 November 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, with ten days of screenings, competitions and industry events.

Where is the Cairo International Film Festival held?

The festival is based at the Cairo Opera House in Cairo. Check the official website or festival app for the full list of screening venues each year.

How do I get tickets for the Cairo International Film Festival?

Use the official Cairo International Film Festival website and app to explore the programme and find ticket information. Film professionals and journalists can apply for accreditation there.

What is the nearest airport to Cairo?

The main airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI), north-east of the city. Taxis, ride-hailing and pre-booked transfers connect it with central Cairo and Zamalek.

Is the Cairo International Film Festival open to the public?

Yes, the festival includes screenings for the public as well as industry programmes for professionals. Check the official programme for which screenings are open and how to book.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Cairo International Film Festival 2026 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.