Actor Hussein Fahmy, president of the Cairo International Film Festival, has decided to make changes to the official poster for the 47th edition after the design, led by the late actress Shadia, drew criticism over changes to her features and the use of artificial intelligence technology in its production.
Hussein Fahmy decides to revise festival poster
Fahmy said, in a telephone interview whose details were published on Monday 12 October 2026, that he noticed after viewing an enlarged image of the poster that Shadia’s features had indeed changed, confirming his intention to revise it. He added that differences of opinion need not damage relations, and that criticism is a fundamental right as long as it is offered in a professional framework.
The festival president’s position came after art critic Magda Khairallah criticised the poster’s design, saying it did not reflect Shadia’s artistic value or match the standing of the Cairo Film Festival after 47 editions. Khairallah wrote on her Facebook account: “How much black is there in this picture?
The poster is devoid of any beauty, actress Shadia deserves a more creative poster, and the Cairo Festival after 47 editions deserves a poster worthy of its international standing.” She called for an opportunity to reconsider the poster before its final approval and for the design to become more cheerful and expressive of the art of cinema, adding: “Enough ugliness and blackness.”
Poster draws on Fouada character
The festival unveiled the poster on 11 October 2026, drawing on the character Fouada, played by Shadia in the film Something of Fear. Unclear images of several Egyptian cinema stars appeared behind the main character in a design that links cinematic memory with modern technology.
Before announcing his intention to revise the design, Hussein Fahmy defended the use of artificial intelligence in the poster, explaining during the festival’s press conference that using the technology to design promotional material was different from screening films made entirely with it.
Fahmy said the festival’s policy was not to screen films made using artificial intelligence, but described the technology as important in the current era and deserving of discussion through workshops. He added that the poster does indeed use artificial intelligence and that the technology represents the future.
He explained that the festival’s position on films made using the technology was linked to the rules of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, under which the Cairo Festival is among the accredited Category “A” festivals. He confirmed that the festival would comply with any future change in the federation’s position. On the choice of Shadia, Fahmy said her appearance as Fouada reflected the festival’s commitment to preserving the memory of Egyptian cinema and celebrating classic films undergoing restoration.
He added that the unclear images of the stars in the background of the poster represented a tribute to them, as they remain present in the public’s memory. Fahmy linked the poster’s concept to the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cairo International Film Festival, explaining that the design sought to express the connection between cinema’s past and its future.
