After a year-long break, GFF is set to make its comeback with the sixth edition scheduled from October 13 to 20, 2023.
El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has revealed the preliminary lineup for the upcoming sixth edition. This collection of films highlights the creative mastery of well-established international filmmakers, while also presenting a curated selection of debut works from emerging talents across the globe.
Scheduled to take place from October 13 to 20, 2023, the sixth edition aims to be a celebration of cinematic artistry.
Speaking about the motivation behind the selection of films for GFF#2023, Intishal Al Timimi, the Festival Director of GFF, said: “Our selection process was a journey of discovery and discernment. We sought, as always, films that resonate with authenticity, challenge conventional narratives, and spark conversations across cultures. Each film we have selected is a testament to the filmmaker’s unique voice and perspective, embodying the essence of our festival’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and the celebration of the art of cinema.”
Marianne Khoury, the Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival, added: “Even though I have recently joined GFF, I have known it since its inception. GFF has always strived to be a platform that celebrates the full spectrum of Cinema. With this lineup, we are not only paying homage to the masterful works of established filmmakers but also championing the voices that shape the future of our industry. This year’s selections promise a cinematic journey that resonates with both the seasoned cinephiles and those eager to explore new horizons.”
This assortment symbolises the merging of cinematic brilliance with the compelling force of storytelling that transcends geographical boundaries. Some prominent titles featured in this selection include Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet, which secured the Palme d’Or at Cannes; On the Adamant, the documentary that clinched the Golden Bear at the 2023 Berlinale, directed by Nicolas Philibert; and The Strange Path by Guto Parente, which dominated with four major awards at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.
The array of films by renowned auteurs that have made the cut so far comprises The Buriti Flower by João Salaviza and Renée Nader Messora; The Echo by Tatiana Huezo; May December by Todd Haynes; Obscure Night – Goodbye Here, Anywhere by Sylvain Georges; On the Adamant by Nicolas Philibert; The Shadowless Tower by Zhang Lu; A Strange Path by Guto Parente; and Youth by Wang Bing.
In this year’s selection, GFF also introduces an exceptional selection of first and second features that capture the essence of emerging voices in the industry. These films, originating from diverse corners of the world, have taken the festival circuit by storm, earning accolades and acclaim.
The titles from the emerging filmmakers include All to Play for by Delphine Deloget; Dreaming & Dying by Nelson Yeo; Family Portrait by Lucy Kerr; If Only I Could Hibernate by Zoljargal Purevdash; Lost Country by Vladimir Perisic; Scrapper by Charlotte Regan; Stepne by Maryna Vroda; Totem by Lila Aviles; Whispers of Fire & Water by Lubdhak Chatterjee; and White Plastic Sky by Tibor Bánóczki and Sarolta Szabó.
