El Gouna Film Festival highlights an eclectic collection of films to promote more satisfactory communication between diverse cultures via the art of filmmaking. The current events across the different regions inspired the theme of Cinema For Humanity. El Gouna Film Festival acknowledges the influence of the art of filmmaking, the social community, and the whole world at large.
Here are some of our favorite films from the 6th edition!
60 Egyptian Pounds
60 Egyptian Pounds is a short film directed by Amr Salama and up-and-coming Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza in his first acting role. The film is based on Zaza’s new song of the same name. It sheds better light on the topic of domestic abuse, through striking cinematography, visual storytelling, and incredible performances from both Zaza and the rest of the cast.
Les Chenilles
Les Chenilles is directed by Noel Keserwany, who also stars in the film, and Michelle Keserwany, who also wrote the film. The film tells the tale of Asma and Sara, originally from the Levant, who work in the same restaurant in Lyon, France. They are both mourning the home they were forced to leave. At first, they were wary of each other. But they slowly started to discover the common thread that ties them together. The film raises a question: In the midst of forced migrations, can we move past our animosity to find solace in each other?
From Abdul To Leila
After an accident that causes her to lose her memory and years in exile, a young Iraqi French woman reconnects with her family. She attempts to understand who she is. Reunited at her family home in the south of France, Leila confronts her father Abdul with his own past, the Iraq war, and decides to learn Arabic to put into song the poems he wrote to her. The film is directed by the incredible Leila Al Bayaty, who is a self-taught writer, director, actor, and composer.
At Last, The Day
At Last, The Day tells the story of a woman named Isabel, who cannot deal with her reality. She receives a visit from her friend Ana who will help her make her wish come true. Directed by Carolina Vergara, her background spans theater, photography, and graphic design. This film marks her debut as a screenwriter and director.
If Only I Could Hibernate
If Only I Could Hibernate, directed by Mongolian filmmaker Zoljargal Puevdash, tells the story of a poor yet prideful teenager, Ulzii, and his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings. He is a brilliant student and particularly excels at physics. He wants to win a physics competition to earn a scholarship at a prestigious private school. Simultaneously, his mother finds a job in the countryside and must leave the city to provide for her kids. Ulzii must take risks to stay alive amidst brutal conditions and focus on his academics.
Goodbye Julia
Goodbye Julia is a Sudanese film that explores class, ethnic, and religious unrest in pre-secession Sudan in 2011, which sadly mirrors relevant to the heart-breaking events in Sudan today. The director and writer Mohamed Kordofani explores political themes with sympathy, righteousness, and humility by framing them through female friendship. It tells the story of Mona, a wealthy Muslim northern Sudanese who leaves behind her love for singing to please her husband, and Julia, a poor Christian woman from southern Sudan. Ordinarily, their paths would never cross, but due to a series of unfortunate events, an unexpected guilt-ridden friendship begins.
Sea Salt
Sea Salt, directed by Laila Basma, follows a 17-year-old Lebanese girl named Nayla. Nayla is working as a waitress at a beachside resort when she must make a life-changing decision. She could leave her hometown and study in Canada like her brother wants. On the other hand, she can stay in Beirut. But to her brother, it is not a suitable place and will make her misbehave. We soon observe that her so-called summer sweetheart also attempts to influence her decision.