Cairo International Film Festival Concludes

Last night the 36th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) concluded ceremoniously with a closing movie and a gala that saw international actors and film-makers take home awards for their outstanding work. 60 films were showcased representing 30 different countries, 28 of them being European. Attendees from all over the world witnessed the Iranian drama Melbourne, directed by Nima Javidi, win the Golden Palm at the Pyramids Plateau in Giza. Other winners included Greece's Margarita Manda, winning the Silver Palm for her achievements in directing Forever and Brazil's Ale Abreu, winning the Silver Palm for the best screenplay with The Boy and the World.

Homegrown stars didn't leave empty-handed either. Khaled Abu El Naga was honoured with a Silver Palm for his performance in Eyes of a Thief, directed by Palestinian filmmaker Najwa Najjar. The movie, shot in the Palestinian territories, tells the story of the suffering of the Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Simultaneaously, French actress Adele Haenel won the Silver Pyramid for Thomas Cailley's Love at First Fight.