The Cairo International Film Festival has opened submissions for an immersive storytelling workshop exploring extended reality and interactive media. Led by filmmaker May Abdallah and Barry Gene Murphy in collaboration with the British Council in Egypt, the lab runs during the festival’s 47th edition from November 11 to 20, 2026.
Filmmakers, digital artists, and independent producers looking to expand beyond traditional screen formats now have until October 25, 2026, to apply for the specialized training announced by the festival under the leadership of actor Hussein Fahmi. The immersive lab operates as part of Cairo Industry Days, offering participants both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience in virtual and augmented reality environments.
Cairo International Film Festival Prepares for 50th Anniversary
Founded in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival stands as the oldest film gathering in the Arab world and Africa. It remains the sole festival in both regions accredited within category A by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, known as FIAPF. The institution operates annually under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, balancing traditional film screenings and cultural dialogue with professional talent development. The upcoming 2026 program marks the 50th anniversary of the festival’s inaugural edition, anchoring its modern technology labs in half a century of cinema history.
May Abdallah and Barry Gene Murphy Lead Immersive Training
The training curriculum pairs conceptual design with direct experimentation. Participants examine case studies of existing immersive projects while working with virtual and augmented reality headsets to test new audience relationships. Beyond technical execution, the program addresses financial and production pathways detailed in the festival briefing, helping creators transform early concepts into viable productions.
May Abdallah, an immersive storytelling specialist and filmmaker, leads the workshop alongside Barry Gene Murphy. The two instructors guide attendees through the creative and technical potential of interactive media, ensuring that artists at varying skill levels can build projects that incorporate extended reality tools.
Egyptian Residents Apply for Lab by October 25
Applicants must hold Egyptian citizenship or reside in Egypt, and must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission. The open call welcomes creative professionals, media arts students, game designers, and independent producers, according to regional reporting. While prior experience in media arts is required, the lab explicitly invites beginners in extended reality and immersive software to apply.
Selected participants must commit to attending every session scheduled during the festival’s industry platform. Submissions close on October 25, 2026, through the online application form hosted on the official festival website.
