With the attendance of more than 2000 guests from across the world at one of Egypt's most attractive historical spots that looks down upon the sleepless city of Cairo, the 36th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) launches on Sunday, November 9th, 2014 at El Mahka Theatre in Cairo Citadel. Being one of the most prestigious and oldest-standing film festivals in the Arab region, CIFF returns with its long-awaited new edition.

Held under the auspices of Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and The Egyptian Tourism Activation Authority, the opening ceremony will be directed by the opera director Mohamed Aboul Kheir under the supervision of Mohamed Samir, the Artistic Director of CIFF.

The 90-minute ceremony will kick start at 08:00 pm and will feature short film screenings. On the following day at 08:00 pm film The Cut by Fatih Akin will screen at the Main Hall in Cairo Opera House, which hosts all CIFF's parti-colored events.

The opening ceremony will also include the announcement of the honorees who have been selected to receive the Naguib Mahfouz Lifetime Achievement Award (The Golden Pyramid). Veteran actor Hussein Fahmy will hand the honorary award to German auteur Volker Schlöndorff, whereas prolific actress Samiha Ayoub will hand the award to Moroccan filmmaker Noureddine Sail. In addition Gaber Asfour, the Minister of Culture, will hand the award to the legendary actress Nadia Loutfy, whose face graces CIFF's official poster.