ASWAN, Egypt, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The ninth edition of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) opened here Friday evening with a red-carpet ceremony.
The annual event, attended by dozens of Egyptian and foreign artists, filmmakers and critics, sheds light on women's causes and rights through filmmaking.
This year's festival, running until May 7, has attracted 55 films from over 30 countries to rival in various competition sections, besides six British films screened as part of a special program.
This edition, patronized by Egypt's ministries of culture and tourism and supported by local and international organizations, is also dedicated to iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum on the 50th anniversary of her passing.
"The AIWFF attracts audiences and attendees interested in women's issues from Egypt and beyond, as well as international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union. This interest increases year after year," Mohamed Abdel-Khalek, president and founder of AIWFF, told Xinhua.
