Culture Minister Dr. Inas Abdel Daim, Ismailia Governor Major General Yassin Taher, Head of Suez Canal Authority Vice Admiral Mohab Mamish, Local Development Minister Major General Abu Bakr El Gindi, Advisor to the Minister of Culture for Cinema Dr. Khalid Abdul Jalil, the Festival’s President Critic Issam Zakaria and a number of filmmakers, presidents of Egyptian film festivals, film critics and reporters attended the opening of the 20th edition of the Ismailia Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts at Ismailia Culture Castle. The guests were received by Ismailia scouting team at the entrance of the culture castle. The festival's President Critic Issam Zakaria said the festival's administration was keen to hold a great edition like the great figures who contributed in the success of the festival throughout its history. This comes through introducing a number of distinguished films and filmmakers. The president of the festival added that a number of activities will be introduced for the first time in the 20th edition including a student competition, a jury of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and translating the films into Arabic. He noted that the festival aims at forming a fan base in Ismailia city as well as reflecting the film culture in Egypt and introduce it to the whole world. Ismailia Governor Major General Yassin Taher said the festival is contributing in the promotion of tourism in Ismailia city in which the guest of the festival are considered as ambassadors to their countries who are expected to show the true image of Egypt and Ismailia city to their countries. He also thanked the festival's administration over its great effort exerted to hold this extraordinary edition. The governor noted that Ismailia city also hosts other festivals like Ismailia International Festival for Folk Art and Ismailia Camel Racing Festival in which a number of Arab and foreign countries participate in these festivals that contribute in putting the city on tourism map. Culture Minister Dr. Inas Abdel Daim announced the beginning of the 20th edition of the Ismailia Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts in Ismailia city, the land of resistance, Suez canal and cultural and economic exchange. After the Culture Minister's speech, the festival announced honoring renowned film critic Ali Abu Shadi who contributed in the establishment of the festival. Abu Shadi's sons, Ahmed and Islam, received the shield of the festival that honors their father Ali Abu Shadi.

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