Walid Abdel Azim El Barqi, Governor of the Red Sea Governorate, held a meeting with the management of the Hurghada Youth Cinema Festival to review the arrangements and key features of the festival’s fourth edition, scheduled for next September. The meeting was attended by screenwriter Mohamed El Bassousi and journalist Sherif Salah.

Dr. El Barqi affirmed his full support for the festival, which he considers a platform for young talents in the field of filmmaking, noting the Egyptian state’s interest in the role of soft power in shaping and strengthening public awareness and cultural identity.

He also stressed the importance of artistic and entertainment festivals and events, including the Hurghada Youth Cinema Festival, in promoting Hurghada both artistically and as a tourist destination, as it is considered one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

For his part, Mohamed El Bassousi revealed that the fourth edition will feature numerous activities, events, and screenings, including new programs and sections aimed at providing greater opportunities for emerging cinematic talents.

He said that Hurghada, with its natural beauty and status as a global tourist destination, deserves to become a hub for filmmakers from around the world — something the festival seeks to achieve through the programs of its fourth edition.

He added that many Arab and international filmmakers attending the festival expressed their admiration and strong attachment to Hurghada, which they shared through their personal social media accounts following the conclusion of each festival edition.

Meanwhile, Sherif Salah emphasized that since its launch, the festival has aimed to discover young talents and spotlight their cinematic experiences.

He also stressed that the festival pays special attention to its tourism role, particularly as it carries the name of one of the world’s most renowned tourist cities.

He pointed to the strong support the festival receives from the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities represented by the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Red Sea Governorate, the Cinema Professions Syndicate, Sunrise Hotels & Resorts (SUNRISE Hotels Group),, and Air Cairo.