The terrorists attacks that rocked the US last Tuesday have reverberated all the way to Egypt’s art world, and may cause the cancellation of the Cairo International Film Festival.
The cancellation of a Japanese performance of the opera Aida, also a victim of the attacks’ tremors, preceded the latest questions about the October 9-22 cinema event.
However, “There is a big difference between Aida and the Cairo International Film Festival in terms of costs,” Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouq Hosni told the Arabic daily Al Sharq Al Awsat. “The films participating in the festival come from abroad, unlike the opera, which requires the presence of actors at the venue.”
The minister did not rule out the possibility of canceling the fest. “We do not know whether the festival will be cancelled or not, as developments will have their impact. The US has declared war against terrorism and nobody knows when this will begin or end,” added the minister.
In view of international developments, Japan decided to cancel its Aida shows at the Egyptian Opera House set to begin on September 21.
The Japanese cited confusion surrounding the air travel and the general state of the world, which awaits US retaliation for the deadly strikes in Washington and New York.
Wadico, which is one of the most famous Japanese musical troupes, was supposed to participate in the opera - Albawaba.com
