• The film highlights circus artists in Gaza and their use of art as a form of resilience and resistance.

• The screening drew a large audience and received praise for its humanistic and moving elements.

The 46th Cairo Film Festival opened with the Palestinian film "Da’il ʿAnna ʿArḍ" on Thursday evening at the Grand Theatre of the Egyptian Opera House as part of the “Gala” screenings.

A significant number of filmmakers and prominent figures from Egypt attended the world premiere, including festival president Hussein Fahmy, directors Yousry Nasrallah and Karim El Shenawy, along with leading film critics.

The film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, with its touching scenes and deep humanistic approach eliciting enthusiastic responses and ending with prolonged applause.

It depicts the devastation in Gaza, following a group of circus artists who refuse to succumb to despair, transforming their art into a means of resistance and expression of resilience despite harsh conditions.

The “Free Gaza Circus” troupe continues performing for children in shelters and on the streets, offering brief moments of joy and play amid the difficult and tragic circumstances around them.

"Da’il ʿAnna ʿArḍ" marks the first feature-length documentary for Egyptian director Mai Saad and Palestinian director Ahmad Al Danf. Mai Saad previously worked as an assistant director on several narrative films, while Ahmad Al Danf directed multiple short films, including "A Study Day", which won the Youssef Chahine Award at the 2024 Cairo Film Festival.

The ongoing support of the Cairo Film Festival for Palestinian cinema reflects its commitment to strengthening its artistic presence internationally and highlighting Palestinian issues through repeated participation in both official and special competitions.