‘Ezzat Abou ‘Ouf: I’ve considered resigning from the Cairo International Film Festival but my responsibilities have prevented me from doing so

Artist ‘Ezzat Abou ‘Ouf has affirmed that the decision to cancel the Cairo International Film Festival has yet to be settled. The minister of culture had communicated to the actor/musician the sentiment that any decision taken at the present moment should be tempered pending such a time when the issue can be considered carefully. With regards to his personal opinion on whether or not the festival could be held this year, Abou ‘Ouf has stated in an interview with the al-Masry al-Youm newspaper: “In all honesty I believe that it would be difficult to host the festival this year as the country is going through a tough transition period and circumstances do not permit the holing of the Cairo film festival or any art festival of any sort. Moreover the financial state does not lend itself to the holding of the festival due to the absence of sponsors that could contribute to the financing of such an event.”‘Abou ‘Ouf further stated that he had been considering resigning from his position since the outset of the revolution as change is desired in all posts. However the actor has decided to delay such a decision until matters settle down as the current status of the festival has become a responsibility which he cannot decline, this is particularly so after the minister confirmed to him that the core structure of the festival will be retained and that the next round will be executed with the same work team.