The Ismailia Festival celebrates its Silver Jubilee in special edition.

The Ismailia Festival celebrates its Silver Jubilee in special edition.

The Ismailia International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts (IIFFDS) will celebrate its Silver Jubilee alongside its 25th edition, scheduled to take place from February 28th to March 5th.

Details of the new edition were announced during a press conference held at Al- Hanager Theater in the Egyptian Opera House, attended by Dr. Khalid Abdel Jalil, Advisor to the Minister of Culture for Cinema Affairs, Dr. Hussein Bakr, President of the National Cinema Center, the film critic Essam Zakaria, the festival's president, and the festival’s artistic director Rami El Metwally.

Festival president Essam Zakaria announced details of the 25th edition of the Ismailia Festival, which features 121 films from 62 countries. The competition includes 12 films in the long documentary category, 20 films in the short documentary category, 20 films in the short narrative category, and 18 films in the animation category. Additionally, 17 films will compete in the student category.

The conference began with a speech by Abdel Jalil, emphasizing the significance of this edition, describing it as "exceptional." This edition coincides with the festival's Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years since its inception, promising a program befitting the festival's name and the Ministry of Culture's standards, as well as those of the National Cinema Center.

In his speech, Bakr expressed his delight at being present on this auspicious occasion, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee of the prestigious Ismailia Festival. He affirmed that an extensive program awaits the audience, filled with carefully selected films and engaging activities.

Bakr expressed gratitude to the Minister of Culture, Nevine El Kelany for her support of the festival, as well as to Abdel Jalil for his ongoing efforts to overcome all obstacles, and to all those who contributed to the support and organization of this edition.