With Rebranded Cinegouna Programs, a New Shorts Section, and an Exhibition Celebrating Egypt’s Cinematic Legacy, the 7th Edition Showcases Fresh Perspectives in Arab Cinema.
The 7th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is set for October 26-30, 2024. Held in the picturesque Red Sea town of El Gouna, the Festival celebrates cinema as a universal beacon of hope. This year, the Festival invites audiences to explore stories of love, justice, and resilience through the power of film.
The official Festival poster beautifully reflects this theme. It depicts a young woman standing before an arch-shaped window, gazing at a serene sunrise over the sea. The image represents humanity’s strength, resilience, and determination—key elements of the Festival’s focus this year.
In addition to these symbolic themes, the Festival introduces exciting changes. These include rebranded programs and a new section dedicated to short films. El Gouna Film Festival continues to cement its role as a vital platform for filmmakers, supporting talent both in the region and beyond.
CINEGOUNA FUNDING AND FORUM REBRANDED
This year, El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has rebranded two major CineGouna programs. CineGouna Funding, previously known as CineGouna SpringBoard, now emphasizes its role in supporting Arab film projects. The program will select 20 films, offering mentorship and access to funding. These filmmakers will also benefit from one-on-one meetings with film professionals.
CineGouna Forum, formerly CineGouna Bridge, continues to foster industry dialogue. It will provide workshops, masterclasses, and roundtable discussions. The new “In Focus” series will highlight key topics in the film industry.
INTRODUCING CINEGOUNA SHORTS
For the first time, GFF introduces CineGouna Shorts. This new section is dedicated to short films and launches with a funding competition, supported by O West. The program aims to spotlight emerging talents. Filmmakers will have the chance to showcase their short films and gain financial support to bring their projects to life.
CINEGOUNA EMERGE EXPANDS
CineGouna Emerge will also expand this year. The program, designed to support young filmmakers, introduces CineGouna Rising Stars. This initiative will focus on nurturing Arab and North African filmmakers who show potential. Through mentoring and career development opportunities, these rising stars will have the tools to succeed in the global film industry.
HONORING EGYPT’S CINEMATIC LEGACY
In addition to the new programs, GFF will celebrate Egypt’s cinematic heritage. A special exhibition titled “Seven Egyptian Cities That Embraced Cinema” will spotlight cities that played a key role in local and international film productions. This exhibition reflects GFF’s commitment to honoring Arab and Egyptian cinema.
PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
The El Gouna Film Festival bestows awards worth more than US $224,000, along with trophies, to the winners of its competitive sections. In addition, feature-length films across all competitions are eligible for the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award, reflecting the festival’s commitment to impactful storytelling. Moreover, films addressing environmental issues can win the Green Star Award, which aligns with the festival’s focus on sustainability.
In the Feature Narrative Competition, the top honor is the El Gouna Golden Star for Narrative Film, which comes with a trophy, certificate, and US $50,000. Additionally, the Silver and Bronze Stars recognize excellence with prizes of US $25,000 and US $15,000, respectively. The Best Arab Narrative Film Award offers US $20,000. Furthermore, the festival honors individual talent with Best Actor and Best Actress awards, each accompanied by a trophy and certificate.
The Feature Documentary Competition also has significant awards. The El Gouna Golden Star for Documentary Film includes a prize of US $30,000. In addition, the Silver Star and Bronze Star offer US $15,000 and US $7,500 for outstanding documentary films. These prizes are shared equally between the director and producer of the winning films.
HONORING ARAB FILMMAKERS AND FOSTERING CREATIVE GROWTH
This year, filmmakers like Nada Riyadh and Jaylan Auf will present powerful films that explore important social issues. Nada Riyadh, known for her documentaries, will present her feature “The Inevitable Journey to Find a Wedding Dress,” while Jaylan Auf’s documentary “Those Who Watch Over” tackles the experiences of marginalized communities.
Other filmmakers, such as Nadim Tabet and Namir Abdel Messeeh, will also bring unique narratives to the Festival. Tabet’s new film, “In This Darkness I See You,” explores a haunting ghost story set in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Messeeh’s documentary continues to challenge social norms. Their participation emphasizes GFF’s role as a platform for emerging talents and highlights the diversity of Arab cinema.
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