In the picturesque setting of El Gouna, the stage is set for an electrifying celebration of cinema. The El Gouna Film Festival (GFF), now in its seventh edition, is set to once again captivate audiences from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1, 2024.
Under the visionary leadership of Egyptian businessman who built the El Gouna resort, Samih Sawiris, and presented by Orascom Development, a development company headed by Sawiris, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring commitment to the arts, continuing to elevate the cinematic landscape, both locally and on the global stage.
This year’s edition builds upon the resounding success of its predecessors since its launch in 2017 in the Red Sea resort town, promising an unforgettable program. From a captivating selection of films to dazzling award ceremonies, GFF remains at the forefront of fostering creativity and nurturing talent.
Last year’s sixth edition, which took place from Dec. 14 to 21, presented an array of culturally infused cinematic programs and experiences, ranging from the revival of Sudanese cinema through a collaboration with the Sudanese film group, to reinforcing a theme centered around the horrifying events still taking place in Gaza, under the banner of “Cinema for Humanity.” This theme championed unity and empathy, and the festival was dedicated to weaving it throughout all its activities. Additionally, the festival showcased films such as 60 Pounds by Amr Salam, featuring the acting debut of Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza, the Sudanese picture Goodbye Julia, and many more.
Samih, in anticipation of the event, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to unveil the dates for the seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival. Building upon the past editions’ accomplishments and the significant success of the last edition, we are committed to delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience as well as the innovative platform of CineGouna.”
Echoing this sentiment, his brother and GFF co-founder Naguib Sawiris remarked: “El Gouna Film Festival has been a cornerstone of artistic expression and cultural enrichment in the region. As we embark on the 7th Edition of the festival, we have been receiving strong interest from significant players in the field of cinema from other regions such as USA, China, India, and others to participate in GFF and we look forward to continuing to serve as a dynamic platform for filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world to connect with, collaborate, and inspire Egyptian and regional cinema.”
Amr Mansi, the Executive Director of GFF, reflected on the strides made in the festival’s industry-focused initiatives: “The centralization of all industry-focused activities within the Festival Plaza last year transformed it into a dynamic hub where industry professionals converged to network and forge potential collaborations.” With an eye towards the future, Mansi envisions an even more vibrant platform for industry stakeholders, complete with enhancements and expansions such as the acclaimed CineGouna Market.
At its core, GFF 2024 promises an immersive cinematic experience, replete with thought-provoking films, illuminating discussions, and enriching masterclasses. As preparations unfold, the festival remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling and amplify the voices of filmmakers from the MENA region and beyond.
Marianne Khoury, the Artistic Director of GFF, encapsulated the festival’s ethos: “Navigating through the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, El Gouna Film Festival has continually pushed boundaries, spotlighting diverse voices and narratives.” With an unwavering dedication to inclusivity and innovation, GFF stands poised to ignite conversations, inspire creativity, and redefine the possibilities of storytelling.
