El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is preparing for its highly anticipated 7th edition from October 27 to November 2. Since its inception, GFF has been offering its audiences a lens to view the world where love, justice, and resilience triumph. The picturesque town of El Gouna will turn into a cinematic haven, welcoming filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the art of storytelling.
A Commitment to Cultural Exchange
GFF has solidified its reputation as a premier platform for showcasing diverse stories that reflect the multifaceted nature of cinema. Amr Mansi, co-founder and executive director, states, “We are committed to supporting promising voices in Egyptian and Arab cinema. The festival has gained widespread international recognition, earning a prestigious global status.”
The festival’s spirit is rooted in cooperation and cultural exchange, highlighted by its dedicated industry segment, the CineGouna Platform. This initiative has been updated for the 7th edition to further empower filmmakers.
CineGouna Platform Updates
CineGouna Funding, formerly known as CineGouna SpringBoard, continues to be a key source of financial and artistic support for Arab film projects in development and post-production. Selected projects will benefit from a mentorship program, tailored one-on-one meetings, and eligibility for cash and awards.
CineGouna Forum will enhance professional development through industry discussions, master classes, and workshops. It will include roundtable discussions for executives and policymakers to address critical challenges in the film industry. In addition, “In Focus” panels will provide diverse perspectives on pressing issues.
CineGouna Emerge is an umbrella for initiatives supporting young and emerging filmmakers. It will feature its second edition this year, introducing “CineGouna Rising Stars” to spotlight promising Arab and North African filmmakers. The program will also expand to include new initiatives aimed at young actors, photographers, and film critics.
Additionally, the debut of CineGouna Shorts brings a funding competition for short films. It is backed by O West for real estate, further reinforcing the festival’s commitment to nurturing creative talent.
A Spotlight on Compelling Narratives
The 7th edition of GFF features a stellar competition lineup across several categories. The Feature Narrative Competition will showcase films such as: Algiers 196 Mètres by Chakib Taleb Bendiab, Crickets, It’s Your Turn by Olga Korotko, and Everybody Loves Touda by Nabil Ayouch. The Feature Documentary Competition will also showcase significant works like: The Brink of Dreams by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, Cilama by Hady Zaccak, and Death Without Mercy by Waad Al-Kateab.
Additionally, the Short Film Competition features an exciting array of narratives, such as: A Chair for Her by Ahmed Ibrahim, Dawn Everyday by Amir Youssef, and Dancing in the Corner by Jan Bujnowski.
The festival’s opening film The Last Miracle, or Akher Al-Mu’jizat, a 20-minute Arabic fiction directed by Abdelwahab Shawky. The story follows Yahya, a 40-year-old obituary editor. He finds himself in hot water after misspelling the name of a renowned Sufi sheikh at work. Distraught by his manager’s reprimand, he seeks solace in a bar. Only to receive an unexpected call from the deceased sheikh, requesting a meeting. This marks the film’s world premiere.
Special Presentations and Collaborations
In response to the ongoing war in Gaza, GFF will renew its Window on Palestine program. It will showcase both feature and short films that provide insights into the Palestinian experience. These films reflect the resilience, humanity, and strength of Palestinians. This program ensures their stories are told and their voices heard.
The festival continues its collaboration with Cairo’s Zawya Cinema for the second consecutive year. This partnership aims to share the festival’s riches with broader audiences in Cairo. A selection of films will be screened daily from October 27 to November 2 at Zawya.
Honoring Cinematic Excellence
GFF will also honor exceptional contributions to cinema with the 2024 Career Achievement Award. This year, the award celebrates Mahmoud Hemida, a renowned figure in Egyptian cinema whose work spans decades both in front of and behind the camera. Hemida has been instrumental in shaping the industry through his production company, Al-Batrik, and his commitment to film culture.
Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, both acclaimed artists from Beirut, will also be honored. Known for their interdisciplinary work that blurs the lines between documentary and fiction, their artistry delves into themes of absence and representation, reflecting their deep engagement with political issues.
As the seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival approaches, it promises to be a dynamic celebration of film, creativity, and cultural dialogue. With a captivating program featuring diverse stories, a commitment to supporting emerging talent, and special initiatives addressing pressing social issues, GFF reaffirms its vital role in the global cinematic landscape.