CANNES — Raghda Safwat
The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival witnessed intensive activity from Egyptian superstar Laila Eloui, a prominent and familiar face on the French Croisette. As part of her busy schedule, Eloui participated in a high-level panel discussion organized by the Egyptian Embassy in cooperation with a French charitable foundation. The seminar focused on key pillars, most notably women’s empowerment and their impactful presence in the cinema of the late legendary director Youssef Chahine, coinciding with the embassy’s celebration of his centennial.
Following the seminar, the event took an emotional turn that highlighted the profound humanitarian tragedy unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A Congolese actress approached Eloui, breaking into tears as she shared harrowing details of her people’s suffering. The African artist conveyed the severe crisis civilians face due to the actions of irregular armed groups, which have led to a record escalation in violence, sexual enslavement, and the targeting of children. International organizations such as UNICEF and Human Rights Watch classify this crisis as a “systemic and endemic” weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terrorism.
Official figures from child protection agencies reflect the grim reality on the ground. More than 35,000 cases of violence against children were recorded in the first nine months of 2025 alone. This follows a devastating 2024, which saw approximately 45,000 recorded cases—a figure that represents a threefold increase compared to statistics from 2022.
A Voice for the Voiceless: Eloui’s Ongoing Humanitarian Commitment
This encounter was far from a fleeting moment; rather, it reshaped the spotlight around Eloui’s enduring humanitarian role. The Egyptian star expressed deep empathy and was visibly moved by the Congolese actress’s testimony, emphasizing the urgent need for art and media to shed light on these forgotten tragedies to protect innocent lives.
Eloui is widely recognized for her long-standing history of championing women’s and children’s rights both locally and internationally. This dedication is not only reflected in her conscious choice of impactful cinematic works that vigorously debate women’s rights and protective legislation, but it also extends to her active participation as a leading figure in awareness campaigns and charitable initiatives. Her continuous support for organizations dedicated to children’s rights and securing safe environments further cements her status as a powerful advocate for humanitarian causes on the global stage.
Published By :
May 24, 2026.
