10th Aswan International Women Film Festival

This event has ended. Dates for the next edition will be added here once they are announced.

Launched in 2017, the Aswan International Women Film Festival focuses on films made by and about women and is one of the few festivals of its kind in the Arab world. Its 10th edition ran in Aswan from 20 to 25 April 2026, screening 65 films from 33 countries alongside workshops for young women filmmakers supported by partners such as UN Women and the European Union, and a tribute to Egyptian cinema pioneer Aziza Amir. Screenings are held in venues around the city and are generally open to the public free of charge, making it easy to drop in between felucca trips and visits to Philae or the Nubian villages. April is also a pleasant time to visit Aswan before the summer heat sets in.

What to expect

The festival usually includes competitions for feature, documentary and short films, alongside panel discussions on women in film and in society. Many screenings are followed by talks with the directors. The audience is a mix of local residents, students, filmmakers and visitors, and the atmosphere is friendly and informal.

Getting there

Aswan has an airport with flights from Cairo and is linked to Cairo and Luxor by train, including an overnight sleeper service. Within the city, taxis are easy to find, and Nile-side venues can be reached on foot along the Corniche.

Planning tips

• Days are warm in April, so plan outdoor visits for the morning or late afternoon.
• Bring a light layer for air-conditioned screening rooms.
• Book accommodation early if you hope to stay on the Nile or on Elephantine Island.
• Check the daily programme, as screening times can change.