(...) Continuing the CIFF's authentic tradition of bringing the most interesting proposals from the world over, the 32nd edition will dance and sway to the rhythm of the Spanish beat from 18-28 November 2008. Spanish Cinema will be the CIFF's Guest of Honour and we will pay tribute to its brilliant tradition as well as the new generation of filmmakers that are becoming a creative force in the international scene.

In addition to Spain being our special guest of honour, the 32nd edition will be celebrating together with the rest of the world "Dignity and justice for all of us" ;the 60th Anniversary for the Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Films portraying and focusing on issues which tackle the inherent human dignity and right of everyone in the world to live as equals, will be screened in a special section entitled: "A Window on a more Humane Future" dedicated to the slogan of the UDHR "Dignity & the right for living as equals".This will be with the special collaboration of the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communications (IFTC)-(CICT) by UNESCO, which will present an award to the film which best deals with a human issue or problem touching the viewers and delivering a potent message using the powerful language of Cinema, provoking a positive change in today's violent

world.

Moreover, Egypt is the cradle for all civilizations, its geographical and political positions are strategic, not only as a leading country in the Middle East and an integral part of the Mediterranean, but also as one of the most important countries in the African continent; hence the Cairo International Film Festival will continue focusing on African cinema and dedicate a special section (The Black Pearl), featuring films from all over the African continent, showing the rest of the world the other face of Africa, that it's not only about jungles,safaris, famine, malaria, ethnic conflicts, poverty and drought but perhaps that the very roots of art originated and sprouted from this precious part of the world, which is yet to be discovered;

Africa!

See you at the 32nd Cairo International Film Festival."

Farouk Hosny

Minister of Culture

Head of the Supreme Council for the CIFF.