The second Sharm El-Sheikh Film Festival (SHAFF) will launch 3 March in the Red Sea city. Organised by Noon Foundation for Arts and Culture, the festival's executive president is Gamal Zayda, and this year's honorary president is Egyptian actress Laila Elwy, in recognition of her career and contributions to Egyptian cinema. Running for seven days, the festival promises a programme of feature length films, short films, in addition to special events, seminars, and talks with directors. SHAFF also aims to become a platform for filmmakers by linking them with industry professionals. Director of Photography Kamal Abdel Aziz will deliver a master class in digital filmmaking, “focusing on new trends in digital cinematography and the new digital cinema age using DSLR's and mirrorless cameras with new and different lighting techniques,” the press release cites. On 8 March, the festival will hold a special celebration for International Women's Day, with a seminar titled Women & Cinema led by Sana Hashem, professor at the Institute of Cinema. One of this year's honorees is renowned director Ali Badrakhan, with screenings of four of his films. A documentary on Badrakhan's career will be screened and critic Kamal Ramzi will discuss the director's filmography. The festival will also spotlight late director Youssef Chahine, commemorating 10 years since his death, by screening three of his best known films. Actor Hassan Hosni and actress Layla Taher will be honoured for their artistic careers. A special focus will be given to American independent cinema starting in the early 1900s, and the festival will honour an American star that is yet to be announced. A press conference 19 February will announce further details about SHAFF's programme and participating films. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture
