The Cairo International Film festival (CIFF) has announced the film Night/Ext as the first Egyptian production participating in the competition's upcoming 40th edition. Night/Ext is directed by Ahmad Abdalla, written by Sherif El-Alfy and produced by Hala Lotfy. Starring Karim Kassem, Mona Hala, Sherif Dessouky, Basma, Ahmed Malek, among others, the film follows three individuals who break social norms and test the boundaries when they meet on an extraordinary night. Each character is fighting their own battle, leading to an unexpected journey in the city. CIFF's president, film producer Mohamed Hefzy, has said that the film is “a unique and distinguished film, not only because of its subject and its characters' journey, but also because of its social resonance, which invokes plenty of thought,” according to CIFF's press release. Abdalla is no stranger to CIFF, as his previous work Microphone won the best film award at the festival in 2010, and Décor competed in the 2014 edition. The director has said that he hopes his participation alongside other filmmakers “would be a reviving spark to a festival [he] loved so much,” adding that he has faith that the festival's new management and vision will make an impact and develop the festival. Abdalla also stressed the importance of the festival to him on a personal level, “not only because it is the festival of my city, where I grew up and used to watch its films in the downtown cinemas, but also because my preliminary cinematic knowledge started with [CIFF].” 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
