The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA)'s ongoing Luxor African Film Festival was launched in Abu Dhabi draws throng of visitors and once again placed Egypt as a prime tourist destination. The show reflects Egypt's leading position as a hub for the important historical, cultural and artistic events in the region and to reiterate its position as a tourist destination of choice. The Luxor Film Festival reiterates the leading status of Luxor not only on an African scale, but also on a global level. Luxor is one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations and is known as the City of a Hundred Gates or the City of the Sun. The city will celebrate the inauguration of the ancient sphinx-lined road at the end of the first quarter of this year. The sphinx-lined road is one of the most important religious and archaeological sites in Luxor, and the oldest religious road in the world. Formerly known as Thebes, capital of Egypt in the Pharaonic era, it is one of the longest routes linking the two ancient Egyptian temples of Luxor and Karnak. The road is 2,700 meters long and 76 meters wide. Amr El Ezabi, Chairman of ETA, said: "In its first cycle, the Luxor African Film Festival emphasizes Luxor's global and African standing, and Egypt's leading role in the region as an advocate of the region's most important cultural and artistic events and its preference among tourists as a destination of choice. Egypt is famous for its hospitality and offers its visitors various breathtaking destinations, in addition to many shopping outlets, art events and many sports activities, guaranteeing them an unforgettable holiday at any time of the year. " He further said "the launch the festival reiterates that the industry has been witnessing a gradual recovery following the events Egypt has been through recently. Through supporting this festival, the ETA aims to benefit from Luxor's moderate climate in attracting tourists from all over the world through providing activities such as Nile cruises, safaris and balloon rides." African participation in the festival is diverse, and varies between submissions for narrative films, long and short documentaries and African panorama cinema. The event also features honors and awards, jury panels, a Cinematic Workshop and a Cinema Students Forum. A number of African directors and filmmakers will be honored during the festival and five Egyptian films from the Southern areas in Egypt will be presented as well. These include "The Ring and the Bracelets" for Khairy Beshara and "Mummy" forShadi Abdel-Salam and "Bustji" for Hussein Kamal and "Escape" for Atef Al Tayebalong with "Arak El Balaah" for the late Radwan El-Kashef whom the festival is dedicated to.
