The Minister of Culture in Egypt; Abdel Wahid el Nabawy and Alexandria Governor Hany el Messiry took part in the opening ceremony of the 31st Alexandria Film Festival for Mediterranean Countries that kicked off on Wednesday at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

At least 300 films and movies participate in the annual event from 33 Arab and foreign countries.

Addressing the ceremony, President of the festival Al Amir Abaza hailed names of actresses and actors honored in the international event paying tribute to late actor Nour el Sharif and Faten Hamama.

Also, el Messiry urged the participants to visit the ancient sites at the coastal city of Alexandria.

The top official honored Egypt's cinema veteran Mahmoud Yaseen, head of the Moroccan Cinema Center (CCM) Mohamed Sarim Al Haq along with other Arab and Egyptian actors and actresses.