Turkish filmmaker Ferit Kılıç has withdrawn his debut feature *Dancing Angels* from the 47th Cairo International Film Festival, following what the production team describes as an attempted censorship.The film, selected for the festival’s Critics Week competition, was removed from the lineup on October 24. According to the producers, festival management justified the decision by citing their involvement in another film screened at Cannes 2025, which allegedly offended the Egyptian state.
Following objections from international film organisations, including FIAPF, SEYAP and EPC, the festival reversed its decision and reinstated the invitation. However, Kılıç declined to premiere the film in Cairo, maintaining his decision to withdraw.
Produced by Karma Films as a Turkey-Croatia co-production, Dancing Angels explores violence, its underlying causes and institutional indifference. The cast includes Taha Sönmezışık, Saadet Işıl Aksoy, Defne Kayalar and Ushan Çakır.
Kılıç completed the feature at just 19 years old. The project previously won the top prize at Transilvania Pitch Stop and received recognition at the 2026 Istanbul International Film Festival’s Meetings on the Bridge.
Dancing Angels will continue its international festival journey following its withdrawal from Cairo.
Ferit Kılıç Withdraws Dancing Angels from Cairo Film Festival Following Censorship Dispute
