When the Hurghada Youth Film Festival was first conceived a few years ago, its ambition was clear: to create a cinematic platform amplifying the voices of young filmmakers while transforming Hurghada—renowned for its charm and global tourist appeal—into a vibrant stage where creativity and place intersect. With each successive edition, the festival has cemented its position on the Arab cultural map, carving out a distinctive path among regional film gatherings.
A Festival with Expanding Horizons
In its most recent edition, the festival demonstrated broader ambitions, proving it is neither a temporary showcase for short films nor a fleeting cultural experiment. Instead, it has evolved into a comprehensive initiative interweaving cinema, tourism, and social consciousness. Central to this year’s vision is the launch of the Tourism Film Competition, an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Atef Abdel Latif, who recognised the festival’s potential to act as a dual bridge: strengthening the cinematic industry while simultaneously promoting Egyptian tourism.
Cinema as a Soft Power
Cinema today transcends its traditional role as an art form confined to theatres. It has become a form of soft power—able to narrate national identities, spotlight landscapes, and project cultural heritage to global audiences. The Tourism Film Competition embodies this potential. It invites young filmmakers to portray Egypt’s natural wonders, historic treasures, and human stories through short films designed to captivate and inspire travellers.
This initiative is more than symbolic. It represents a comprehensive vision strategically aligning cinematic creativity with national development goals. By screening films set in destinations such as Siwa Oasis, Saint Catherine’s mountains, or the Red Sea coastline, the festival allows audiences to rediscover Egypt through a cinematic lens—one that ignites both imagination and the desire for exploration.
The Vision of Dr. Abdel Latif
The Tourism Film Competition carries the distinctive imprint of Dr. Atef Abdel Latif, a long-time supporter of the festival with deep ties to Egypt’s tourism sector. By blending his professional expertise with cultural vision, Abdel Latif pioneered an initiative that demonstrates film festivals need not be limited to culture and entertainment alone.
His vision positions festivals as integrated national projects that open new pathways for development, stimulate economic growth, and showcase Egypt on the global cultural and touristic stage.
Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers
While introducing new initiatives, the festival remains committed to its founding mission: empowering young filmmakers who represent the future of Egyptian and Arab cinema. Beyond screening films, it offers dialogue platforms, professional workshops, and exchanges with critics and industry figures—avenues that allow emerging talents to refine their craft and build confidence.
This dedication to nurturing modest beginnings into meaningful cinematic achievements has earned recognition from both cultural institutions and tourism professionals, who increasingly view the festival as both a cultural forum and a promotional platform for Egypt.
Hurghada: A Natural Stage for Cinema
The decision to anchor the festival in Hurghada was deliberate. With pristine beaches, modern tourism infrastructure, and a year-round sunny climate, the city embodies the synergy of art and natural beauty that the festival celebrates.
By welcoming filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles from Egypt and abroad, Hurghada transforms into a cultural capital during the festival—fostering dialogue, enriching visitors, and benefiting the local community. Cinema becomes woven seamlessly into the city’s identity.
The Tourism Film Award
The Tourism Film Award is not a decorative addition but a strategic innovation. It challenges participants to creatively showcase Egypt’s landmarks while merging cinematic storytelling with tourism promotion.
This award encourages filmmakers to experiment with locations, techniques, and narrative perspectives. Judged by experts in both cinema and tourism, it guarantees professional rigour while carving out a unique intersection between culture and economy.
Awards and Recognition
The Hurghada Youth Film Festival honours artistic excellence and innovation through a diverse awards programme, including:
Best Short Fiction Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Animation Film
Audience Award
The Green Award for environmental cinema, underlining the festival’s ecological commitment since its inception
The Tourism Film Award, a pioneering category conceptualised by Dr. Atef Abdel Latif, merging cinematic artistry with tourism promotion
Together, these awards reflect the festival’s determination to expand cinematic horizons while engaging broader cultural, social, and national themes.
Regional and Global Reach
The festival’s resonance extends beyond Egypt. With the Tourism Film Award, it is set to attract filmmakers from across the Arab world and internationally—enhancing Egypt’s reputation as a hub for cultural dialogue and collaboration. This opens opportunities for co-productions and reinforces Egypt’s identity as a destination where art, history, and natural beauty converge.
Looking Ahead
With each edition, the Hurghada Youth Film Festival reaffirms that it is more than an annual cultural event. It is a dynamic project that evolves continuously, integrating youthful vision with a strong sense of place. Whether through awards, workshops, or visionary initiatives such as the Tourism Film Competition, it charts a path for the future of cultural engagement.
From the shores of the Red Sea, the festival sends a powerful message: cinema is not only an art of storytelling but also a transformative force—a soft power that can promote tourism, drive development, and reflect Egypt’s enduring beauty on the world stage.
