Building on the success of the past two editions, CineGouna Emerge has offered hundreds of participants a gateway to both regional and international film industries, fostering connections within a creative community.
El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has revealed the selected participants for the 2025 edition of CineGouna Emerge, its flagship talent incubator aimed at empowering young and emerging filmmakers. Supported by GFF’s Impact Partner, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD), along with the European Union in Egypt and the Drosos Foundation, the programme continues to serve as a vital platform for cultivating creative potential across Egypt, Africa and the Arab world.
This year, CineGouna Emerge received over 1,000 applications across its three tracks — SeeMe, Take Two and Perspectives — reflecting the growing regional demand for opportunities that foster new voices in cinema. After a highly competitive selection process, 120 participants have been chosen to join the 2025 programme.
Now in its third year, CineGouna Emerge provides participants with a dynamic learning experience designed to enhance both creative and professional skills. Beyond attending panels, masterclasses, workshops and film screenings as part of the CineGouna Forum, participants will engage in exclusive sessions, including the Meet the Experts series. These sessions will allow them to learn directly from leading industry professionals working in directing, producing, composing, acting, visual effects, and other key disciplines.
Building on the momentum of the first two editions, the 2025 programme reaffirms GFF’s deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and creatives from Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa. Selected participants will receive festival accreditation and will have their domestic travel, accommodation, and meal vouchers completely covered.
Amr Mansi, Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a dynamic and diverse group of emerging creatives into the festival this year. CineGouna Emerge continues to be a vital space for fostering new talent, and we look forward to seeing how the participants will grow from this unique experience and contribute to the future of cinema in our region and beyond.”
Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival, added: “CineGouna Emerge is about opening doors and expanding horizons. By making film spaces accessible and inclusive, we hope to inspire the next generation of storytellers to dream bigger, challenge conventions, and believe that their voices truly matter.”
Hayat Aljowaily, CineGouna Emerge, Programme Director, noted: “CineGouna Emerge was created to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Every year, we see the importance of providing young creatives with access, mentorship, and resources that can significantly shape their careers. This year’s cohort reflects the diversity, talent, and ambition we aim to champion, and I’m excited to witness the collaborations and stories that will emerge from this journey.”
CineGouna Emerge is supported by GFF’s Impact Partner, The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD), the European Union in Egypt and the DROSOS FOUNDATION. Together, these partnerships reinforce the festival’s mission of empowering young creatives and strengthening the film industry’s ecosystem.
