The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and Coventry University in Cairo – hosted within The Knowledge Hub (TKH) – signed an official Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two parties, alongside the official inauguration of the Coventry Media Center on the university campus in the New Administrative Capital.

The events began with a reception gathering students, faculty members, festival representatives, and a number of experts and media professionals, in a celebratory atmosphere reflecting the spirit of partnership between academia and industry. This was followed by a masterclass delivered by artist Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, who shared his experiences and insights from his long career in cinema, emphasizing the true value of linking theoretical study with direct practical experience.

The highlight was the signing of the MoU between the university and the festival in the presence of high-level academic and cultural leaders and several public and media figures, including engineer Ibrahim Al-Moallem, Chairman of Al-Shorouk Board. The signing was followed by a professional networking session that gave students a unique opportunity to interact directly with cinema industry leaders and festival organizers, fostering idea exchange and opening new horizons for youth.

The day concluded with the opening of the Coventry Media Center, a modern facility equipped with the latest technologies to provide a comprehensive educational and creative environment. The center is designed to supply students with advanced resources and practical training, opening direct communication channels with the vibrant Egyptian cinema and media community.

Artist Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, expressed his happiness with this partnership, saying:

“Our partnership with Coventry University represents an important step towards aligning academic expertise with professional pathways in the film industry. We are committed to supporting young talents and providing an ideal environment for learning and practical application, enhancing the festival’s role as a platform for new voices and future generations of creators.”

On his part, Dr. Yasser Saqr, President of The Knowledge Hub (TKH), said:

“Coventry University at TKH is committed to building bridges between education and industry, providing world-class education based on the highest quality standards. The opening of the Coventry Media Center and our partnership with the Cairo International Film Festival reflect our vision of preparing students with solid academic knowledge and real practical experience. This partnership strengthens TKH’s mission to be a center of innovation, creativity, and global openness by linking theory with practice.”

Dr. Ebtisam Farid, Dean of the Faculty of Design and Media at Coventry University Cairo, added:

“The new center offers our students the opportunity to learn in an environment that simulates actual industry practices and allows them to engage directly with the dynamic Egyptian cinema community. This partnership embodies our mission to integrate education with industry, ensuring our graduates are academically strong, culturally aware, and job market ready.”

Under the MoU, Coventry University Cairo will participate with a special pavilion inside the Cairo Film Market, providing its students with exceptional opportunities to connect with industry leaders and decision-makers. The university will also contribute to supporting the festival’s Extended Reality (XR) technology exhibition by providing advanced digital media tools, enhancing the integration of interactive technologies into its programs.