GFF 2024 is showcasing the latest cinematic productions from around the globe, featuring a balanced programme of 83 films from 48 countries, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.
The seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) kicked on October 24 with a spectacular opening ceremony attended by an array of actors, filmmakers, and celebrities from around the world. The festival which runs until November 1 has established itself as one of the premier cinematic events in the region, aiming to support and enhance the film industry in Egypt and beyond.
Several prominent figures, including Engineer Naguib Sawiris, founder of the festival and Chairman of Orascom Investment Holding, Engineer Samih Sawiris, founder of El Gouna and Chairman of the festival, and the esteemed actress Youssra, a member of the festival’s International Advisory Board. Also present were Engineer Omar El Hamamsy, CEO of Orascom Development Holding, Amr Mansy, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the festival, and the renowned director Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of the festival, were present at the opening ceremony.
Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of the festival, said: “I am proud to launch the seventh edition despite the numerous challenges facing the festival industry in Egypt and the Arab world. Our festival management has managed to bring the latest cinematic productions from around the globe, featuring a balanced programme of 83 films from 48 countries, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. Additionally, 43% of the feature-length documentaries and fiction films are directed by women, and 33% represent the debut and second films of their directors.”
The festival was officially inaugurated by Governor of the Red Sea, Major General Amr Hanafy. The ceremony commenced with the unveiling of the festival’s logo, followed by the national anthem. Ahmed El-Ghandour, known as “El Da7ee7,” presented a special segment that discussed the history of cinema. This was followed by the screening of the short film The Origin of the Story.
Hosted by actors Basma and Sedky Saker, the ceremony included performances by Mohamed El-Sharnouby, Nouran Abu Taleb, and Hana Youssry. A special segment titled ‘In Memory of the Departed’ was conducted to honour cinematic figures who have passed away. Director Inas El Degheidy delivered a special speech, followed by a tribute video for the esteemed actor Mahmoud Hamida, who received the ‘Creative Achievement Award’ in recognition of his remarkable artistic journey and significant contributions to Arab cinema. Lebanese directors and writers Joanna Hadji and Khalil George were also honoured for their works that blend imagination and creativity, addressing deep historical and social narratives.
Upon receiving the award, Mahmoud Hamida said: “I want to thank Yousra, Lebleba, Elham Shaheen, and Hussein Fahmy. I’m especially happy today because I had always dreamed of establishing a film festival in Marsa Alam, but couldn’t achieve it. Naguib and Samih Sawiris, driven by their passion for cinema, made this dream a reality. I am looking forward to more editions of GFF.”
Engineer Naguib Sawiris emphasised: “We are here today to affirm that cinema is not merely entertainment, but a genuine tool for change and human connection. Through the El Gouna Festival, we open doors for creativity and enhance cultural dialogue.”
Engineer Samih Sawiris stated: “The El Gouna Film Festival is more than just an artistic event; it embodies our dream of creating a community that brings together artists and creatives from around the world, where art and culture intertwine to foster deeper understanding between nations.”
The festival also announced the juries responsible for each category of the official competition, including Nandita Das (India), Charles Tesson (France), Sibel Kekilli (Germany), Sofia Djama (Algeria), Menna Shalaby (Egypt), Eliane Raheb (Lebanon), Hicham Falah (Morocco), Jérôme Paillard (France) Nejib Belkadhi (Tunisia), Steffi Niederzoll (Germany), Amina Khalil (Egypt), Amir El-Masry (Egypt), Lina Soualem (France/Palestine/Algeria), Sam Manacsa (Philippines), Rakeen Saad (Jordan).
The El Gouna Film Festival stands out as a prominent platform celebrating the seventh art, continuously attracting the attention of cinema enthusiasts from around the globe, affirming its status as an unmissable annual event. The festival is organized under the auspices of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture.
