Cairo festival says ciao to Avati

The 28th Cairo Film Festival (Nov. 3 - Dec.10) is going "Italiano" with director-writer Pupi Avati planned as jury head.

Cairo fest prexy Cherif EI-Shoubashy is going to the Venice Film Fest in early September to finalize preparations.

"This year's festival focus on Italian cinema should open doors for more Italian and Arab co-productions and mutual film buying," says Shoubashy, who is also the country's top official for international cultural relations.

"I want the Cairo festival to sign a cooperation agreement with Venice fest president Marco Muller, and in addition we will be meeting the new director of Cinecitta studios and others" he said.

Shoubashy still hopes more Americans will attend with star and film power and contribute to the fledgling market --he points specifically to Michael Moore, whose "Fahrenheit 9/11" opened in Egypt last week.

"Due to problems in the Mideast, there is a misunderstanding that Egypt is a dangerous place," he says.

"The Cairo festival should be in the date book of every interested film maker to make a real impact on cinema and foster globalization."