The coastal city of Hurghada is preparing to host the third annual Hurghada Youth Film Festival from September 25-30, 2025. This year's event will showcase 58 films from 30 countries, highlighting a diverse array of international cinematic talent.
A significant new addition to the festival is the introduction of a dedicated Tourism Film Competition. This competition is open to short and feature films produced in 2024 and 2025, with the aim of utilizing cinema to promote tourism. This initiative reflects the growing global trend of film-induced tourism, where cinematic portrayals of locations can significantly boost visitor interest and economic development.
Festival president and screenwriter Mohamed El-Basousi will lead a seminar titled "Tourism and Cinema: Integration or Conflict?", exploring the symbiotic relationship between these two influential industries. The festival will also offer a rich learning environment through training workshops and masterclasses conducted by distinguished figures from Egyptian and international cinema.
All film screenings and related activities will take place at the Hurghada Palace of Culture. Egyptian cinema, often referred to as the "Hollywood of the East," has a rich heritage dating back to the early 20th century, providing a strong foundation for fostering new talent and exploring innovative cinematic avenues, particularly in tourism promotion.
Hurghada, a major Red Sea resort destination that attracts over a million tourists annually, serves as an ideal backdrop for such an event. The city's tourism sector has demonstrated robust recovery, with significant passenger traffic at its international airport, underscoring the region's appeal. The festival's focus on tourism films is a timely endeavor to further amplify Hurghada's allure as a global destination.
Egyptian actress Ghada Adel is set to be honored at the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the Hurghada International Youth Film Festival, recognizing her extensive career and contributions to the Egyptian and Arab film industry.