Egyptian film fest misses U.S. presence. (World).

A range of films from all over the world rep resented their countries at two of Egypt's most important film festivals.

In its 25th year as one of the Middle East's premier film festivals, the Cairo International Film Festival (Oct. 9-10) opened its Silver Jubilee with a reduced core of international television distributors, but hosted representatives from 44 countries, with awards going to a wide array of directors and their films.

Of the 167 films in competition, Belgian director LIeven Debrauwer captured the Golden Pyramid Best Film award for his sentimental Pauline et Paulette. The Silver Pyramid was awarded to Romanian director Sinisa Dragin for the rousing God Kisses Us on the Mouth Every Day, for which he also won Best Director. Best Script went to the American film Almost Famous from Cameron Crowe, and the Jury Prize was awarded to the Iranian film The Hidden Half by Tahmineh Milani, who is facing repercussions for this film in his homeland. The only Egyptian film, Memos of a Teenager won the EGP 100,000 (US$ 25,000) prize. The film was directed by Inas Al Degheidy, one of Egypt's most successful women directors.

Officials graciously acknowledged the absence of the U.S. delgation.

"We regret that the 25-person delegation from the U.S. could not make it under these very difficult circumstances. Egypt understands terrorism; we have suffered from it and sympathize with the current situation," said festival president Hussein Fahmi.

Moving south later in the month, some 60 international short film and documentary directors, as well as Egypt TV buyers for the controversial channel Al Jazeera were represented at this year's Ismailia International Documentary and Short Features Festival (Oct. 27-Nov. 1).

There were 120 films representing Lebanon Future TV, French ARTE, Russian and Japanese television, with participation of the Oberhausen Short Film Festival in Germany. "We hope that this festival can be a major documentary and short film festival in this region, [creating a strong] TV market for film sales," said Festival director Amir El Emary.

Jury member and Chilean documentary director Miguel Litten enjoyed the world premiere of his film The Promised Lana about his grandmother's roots in Palestine. The Best Film award for a short documentary was given to the Russian film Caucasian by George Gabelia. Best Animation went to Frontiers of Dreams and Tears by Palestinian director Mai al Mustri.