Cultural diversity must be respected, El-Shobashy
Egypt, Culture, 2/4/2002

In an interview with the weekly magazine el-Mosawwar, Sherif el-Shobashy, chairman of the Cairo International Film Festival, spoke of the importance of cultural dialogue, the elimination of conflict, and warned against associating Islamic culture with terrorism.

El-Shobashy, a graduate from the Faculty of Arts, French department, of Cairo University, has worked for the Middle East News Agency (MENA) and Egyptian radio. He was later diplomatic editor for el-Mosawwar before he moved on UNESCO's media department in Paris. A year ago, he was appointed head of international and foreign cultural affairs at the Ministry of Culture.

During his time with UNESCO (1980-1985), he realised that every nationality has its own cultural vision that is distinct from all others, he said, adding that every culture is worthy of respect. He strongly believes in inter-cultural dialogue to achieve mutual understanding.World culture is not only Western or essentially European. Asian, Latin American, Eastern European cultures are of equal value and prestige, he said .Also at UNESCO, he learnt how culture plays an important role in shaping our views of other peoples. How others see Egypt or other Arab countries is influenced by one's own culture, not just one's economic or political perspective.

El-Shobashy's time in Paris gave him an insight into how the French people tick. It was during the time he spent at the Al-Ahram office there, he understood that closing one's mind to cultural pluralism and diversity gives rise to and underlies conflict in the world of today, not to mention racial prejudice and religious fanaticism.

"We must respect cultural and linguistic diversity because we have become aware of the achievements of other cultures and this awareness promotes mutual understanding and recognition," he said, adding that the need to preservecultural differences enriches human progress and cultural dialogue.The Film Festival, Shobashy said, is considered of the one of eleven prestigious international events, and he is eager to invite actors, directors and critics of world renown.

"It is our duty to present to our audience the best diversified cultural achievements that will include the screening of films from India, China, and Latin America. At the same time, we are highlighting Egyptian cinema and its history during this festival in order to open international markets for Egyptian movies," he said.

"In my view, the festival should be a valuable contribution to tourism and economic growth, and boost marketing of the Egyptian cinema," he concluded.

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