Mohamed Abdel Khalek, president of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF), receives an interview with Xinhua in Aswan, Egypt, April 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

ASWAN, Egypt, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) has succeeded in building a solid base of young filmmakers across southern Egypt over its first decade through workshops and programs designed to empower local talents, said festival president Mohamed Abdel Khalek in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"One of the most important achievements of the festival during its first decade is establishing a real base of young people capable of working in the film industry in southern Egypt, especially in Aswan," Abdel Khalek said.

Nearly 700 young people have received training through the festival's annual programs. About 50 trainees have become writers or directors, among whom 16 are currently working within the festival's own team, according to the festival head.

The festival adopts a learn-by-doing training model centered on hands-on filmmaking practice, allowing participants to gain experience through real projects and trial and error, he noted, adding that this year alone, the festival's workshops have produced 18 short films, introducing 18 emerging directors and writers.

Abdel Khalek said he had once expected it would take around 20 years to develop a local generation of young filmmakers in Aswan and southern Egypt, yet the goal had been realized in just a decade since the festival's launch.

The forum is not intended to provide theoretical lessons, but to enable young filmmakers to meet experts, programmers, funders, and festival representatives to learn how to market their films and obtain funding, according to Abdel Khalek.

Speaking about the festival's role in supporting women, he recalled that some people who once mocked the idea of a women-focused film festival when it launched in 2017 have eventually become supporters of the festival and women-related initiatives.

In his view, cinema is more effective than administrative policies in raising public awareness, noting that the festival focuses on southern Egypt, where women need greater support and more attention.

The festival promotes awareness of women's rights through films, discussions, and training for female filmmakers from southern Egypt, enabling them to express their concerns and tell their stories, he added.

The recently concluded 10th AIWFF featured 73 films from more than 30 countries in its international and local competitions. While these numbers may not be particularly striking compared with other international film festivals, Abdel Khalek believes that the festival's success is not measured by the number of entries or participating countries, but rather by the quality and significance of the selected films.

Regarding the festival's international development, Abdel Khalek said AIWFF has been considering cooperation with China since its first edition, citing the country's strong artistic appeal, advanced filmmaking techniques, and extensive audience base.

"We would be pleased to invite guests from Chinese cinema, and we would also be pleased to hold an edition in which Chinese cinema is celebrated," he said, adding that the festival is looking forward to engaging with Chinese counterparts to launch such cooperation in the near future. ■

Mohamed Abdel Khalek, president of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF), receives an interview with Xinhua in Aswan, Egypt, April 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)