Cairo International Film Festival Opens Submissions for Cairo XR 2026

Applications have opened for the second edition of Cairo XR, the extended reality programme held as part of the Cairo International Film Festival, which is scheduled to run from November 11th to 20th, 2026.

Submissions will be accepted from June 14th until July 31st, with filmmakers, extended reality artists, technologists, independent studios and multidisciplinary creators from around the world invited to apply.

The programme welcomes projects that experiment with new forms of storytelling, including virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, interactive films and other extended reality works.

This year's edition will focus on themes including embodiment, interaction, presence, memory and participation, exploring how emerging technologies can expand cinematic language beyond the traditional screen. According to the festival, Cairo XR is intended to strengthen Cairo's position as a centre for cinema and creative experimentation across Africa and the Arab world.

The programme returns following its debut edition, 'Beyond the Screen', which featured seven extended reality experiences, including four Egyptian projects. Combining virtual and augmented reality with interactive installations, the inaugural edition guided visitors through the works via a single continuous route linking each experience.