Mazra’a Network Named New Programmer at the Institut Français d’Egypte

Mazra’a Network for Arts and Culture has been appointed as the new programmer of Cinéma de Mounira at the Institut Français d’Egypte.

The first lineup, under the title ‘So That the Birds Return’, explores themes of memory and belonging, featuring a selection of shorts and features that introduce emerging talent and unconventional narratives. “I am glad that we are supporting the emerging scene in Egypt, and we will keep on doing it,” Eric Chevallier, the ambassador of France in Egypt, said.

Mazra’a Network, a Cairo-based social enterprise, operates at the intersection of artistic expression and communal engagement. Founded by Youssef Mansour, its name - Arabic for ‘Farm’ - pays homage to Egypt’s agricultural heritage and the collective spirit that once shaped its cultural landscape. Over the past five years, the organisation has cultivated creative initiatives that serve both artists and the public, with subsidiaries focusing on cultural entertainment and engagement through a grassroots approach.

“Mazra’a being selected as the programmer for Cinema de Mounira is an exciting opportunity to put concrete steps in democratising arts for both the public and the arts community,” Youssef Monsour tells CairoScene. “We’re proving that making art and having skill are the only tokens you need as an artist to be platformed.”

The upcoming screenings will include a strong presence of women-led works and selections from the SWANA region, with an emphasis on young Egyptian filmmakers. The program launches March 3rd and continues every Monday until mid-July. A full schedule will be announced soon.