16th Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF 2027)

The Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) is Egypt's festival dedicated to African cinema, held in the city of temples on the Nile. The 16th edition runs from 28 March to 3 April 2027, with competitions for feature, documentary and short films. It suits film lovers, students and professionals who want to combine African cinema with a spring visit to Upper Egypt.

About the Luxor African Film Festival

LAFF screens films from across the African continent and brings directors, actors and critics to Luxor for a week of screenings, workshops and tributes. Its four main competitions are announced each year on the official website, which also runs a film fund and a press area in English, Arabic and French.

For the 16th edition the organisers have announced Egyptian actor Mahmoud Hemida as honorary president, along with tributes to figures of Egyptian and African cinema. Detailed programmes and guest lists are usually published closer to the opening.

Luxor is often called the world's largest open-air museum. The East Bank holds the temples of Karnak and Luxor, while the West Bank is home to the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Spending a festival week here means film screenings can be combined with some of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt.

the Luxor African Film Festival 2027 dates and venue

The festival's official website states that the 16th edition will be held from 28 March to 3 April 2027 in Luxor. Film submissions for this edition were open until 15 December 2026.

Screenings and events take place at venues in Luxor announced by the organisers. Check the official Luxor African Film Festival website for the venue list, programme and accreditation details.

How to get to Luxor for the Luxor African Film Festival

Luxor International Airport (LXR) has domestic flights from Cairo and seasonal international routes. Taxis and hotel transfers connect the airport with East Bank hotels and, via the bridge, with the West Bank.

Visitors can also take the train from Cairo, including overnight sleeper services, or travel by road from Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. Nile cruises link Luxor and Aswan for visitors who want to add a few days on the river.

Where to stay

The East Bank along the Corniche, near Luxor Temple, is the most practical area, with many hotels, restaurants and easy taxi access to festival venues. The West Bank offers quieter guesthouses near the Theban monuments.

Late March and early April are still part of the busy spring season in Luxor, so book hotels early, particularly for groups.

Planning a group trip to the Luxor African Film Festival

Film schools, cultural centres and cinema clubs can plan a group trip to the Luxor African Film Festival with daily screenings plus guided visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Professionals should follow accreditation news on the official website. For student groups, plan screenings in the evening and sightseeing in the cooler morning hours.

• Plan mornings for monuments: temples and tombs are best visited early, leaving afternoons and evenings for screenings.
• Watch for programme updates: the full schedule is published shortly before the festival.
• Travel documents: check the official entry requirements for Egypt before travel.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Luxor African Film Festival 2027?

The 16th edition runs from 28 March to 3 April 2027 in Luxor, according to the festival's official website.

What films does LAFF show?

The festival focuses on African cinema, with competitions for feature films, documentaries and short films, plus tributes and special screenings.

How do I get to Luxor for the festival?

Fly to Luxor International Airport (LXR), take the train from Cairo, or travel by road from Hurghada.

Where should I stay?

The East Bank near Luxor Temple is the most convenient base. The West Bank is quieter and close to the ancient monuments.

Can I combine the festival with sightseeing?

Yes. Luxor's temples and tombs are close by, so many visitors plan morning tours and evening screenings.

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