The Port Said International Film Festival, led by critic Ahmed Asr and honorary president Hisham Suleiman, has launched the "Port Said in 3 Minutes" competition for short films. The competition is part of the festival's second edition, scheduled to take place in Port Said from December 1 to 5, 2026. The festival's theme is "Cinema Revives Hope." The competition targets young creators and filmmakers from Port Said, encouraging them to produce short documentary or narrative films not exceeding three minutes.
The competition focuses on showcasing the city's tourist attractions, historical and cultural landmarks, and unique visual identity. This aims to promote Port Said cinematically and touristically through contemporary youth visions. The organizers have set clear rules for accepting competing films, including ownership and production, with the film being the producer's work and adhering to intellectual property rights for music and archival materials.
The competition allows filming with professional cameras or mobile phones to encourage more youth participation without production obstacles. The works must meet acceptable standards in image quality, sound clarity, and editing. Films should not exceed three minutes, be in Arabic, or have a clear professional Arabic translation. The festival has offered incentives for outstanding works, including a grand prize of 10,000 Egyptian pounds for the first-place film.
The winning film will be officially screened before the public and filmmakers during the festival's closing ceremony. Winners will receive an official certificate of appreciation, and the jury may grant special certificates to works praised by the jury. The festival will also honor the veteran artist Hamdi Al-Wazir, recognizing his four-decade-long career that has significantly contributed to Egyptian cinema, theater, and television drama.
Al-Wazir's career includes notable roles in films like "Alexandria Why?" and "The Bus Driver," and influential TV series such as "Rafat Al-Hagan" and "Egyptian Papers." His honor is part of the festival's approach to celebrating Port Said's artistic symbols. The second edition of the Port Said International Film Festival combines supporting new creative talents and honoring artistic figures to enhance the cultural and tourist movement in the province.
The festival aims to establish Port Said's position on the regional and international film festival map. By promoting the city's unique aspects and encouraging youth participation, the event seeks to contribute to its cultural and economic development. The competition is open to all eligible participants, with the deadline for submission being before the festival's start.
The Port Said International Film Festival's initiative to engage local youth in creative projects reflects its commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene. The event not only showcases local talent but also provides a platform for international recognition and collaboration. As the festival prepares for its second edition, it is set to make a significant impact on the cultural and artistic landscape of Port Said.
Key points
- The Port Said International Film Festival has launched the "Port Said in 3 Minutes" competition to promote the city's tourism and cultural identity through short films.
