Development of the cinema industry in Egypt

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the major milestones in the history of Egyptian cinema. It also sheds light on the recent obstacles halting the development of the film sector in Egypt. These include the high cost of film production due to the reliance on imported equipment, thereby increasing rental costs and filming expenses. Also, a handful of production companies have monopolized film production, while the rise of online streaming services and piracy remain challenging for the industry. The inability of production companies to secure financial liquidity prevents them from producing high-budget films. To bounce back, the Egyptian cinema sector must address the high cost, the dominance of certain celebrities, and other challenges.