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El Gouna Film Festival: A triumphant return amidst challenges
A resilient comeback
After pausing the 2022 edition for a strategic “reset” and delaying the 2023 edition from October to December due to the Gaza conflict, the El Gouna Film Festival is back and bolder than ever. Taking place from October 24 to November 1 in the picturesque Egyptian resort town, this seventh edition promises a robust lineup despite recent hurdles.
Leadership in transition
The festival’s artistic director, Marianne Khoury, who took charge a few months before the sixth edition and succeeded Amir Ramses, has faced significant challenges. “Last year was hard because of multiple postponements, but we ended up having a fantastic edition,” Khoury expressed. Starting her tenure during a period ripe for change, Khoury aimed to shift the festival’s focus from mere glamour to a comprehensive showcase of all its programs. This was a deliberate move to balance the coverage across different facets of the festival, enriching its cultural significance.
A star-studded lineup
El Gouna Film Festival is a key player in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) cinematic landscape. This year, it will feature standout films from the global festival circuit. Highlights include Coralie Fargeat’s Cannes-winning The Substance, Pedro Almodóvar’s Golden Lion-winning The Room Next Door, and significant Arab titles like Nabil Ayouch’s Everybody Loves Touda and Meryam Joobeur’s Who Do I Belong To.
Honoring industry legends
This year’s Career Achievement Awards celebrate Egyptian producer and filmmaker Mahmoud Hemida and Lebanese artists Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige. Their contributions have significantly enriched the cinematic arts in the Arab world.
An inclusive and expansive program
Khoury emphasizes the festival’s commitment to a well-rounded program and industry activities. The festival prides itself on its diverse geographical representation and significant emphasis on women in film. This year, nearly 44% of the films are directed by women, with a substantial number of debut and sophomore features.
The rivalry and opportunity in MENA
As the regional festival scene burgeons, particularly with the rise of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival, competition for Arab titles has intensified. “Arab films are becoming increasingly difficult to secure for premieres,” Khoury noted. Nevertheless, she views this as an optimistic development. More festivals mean more platforms and funding channels for local filmmakers, ultimately benefiting the industry.
Supporting Arab filmmakers
Khoury underscores the necessity of diversified funding for Arab filmmakers. Initiatives like CineGouna Funding, Cairo Film Connection, and Atlas Workshops in Marrakech offer substantial yet insufficient single grants. Therefore, collective support from multiple sources is vital for the completion of projects.
Nurturing emerging talent
El Gouna’s commitment to new talents is evident. This year’s festival includes the introduction of CineGouna Shorts, a section dedicated to short films, complete with a competition offering cash prizes. Khoury stresses, “We believe in developing young talent. We envision them progressing to prestigious international festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.”
Learning and adapting
With her extensive experience in the industry, Khoury brings valuable insights to El Gouna. As a managing partner at Misr International Films and a former artistic director at the Cairo Film Festival, Khoury has navigated various challenges. Reflecting on her year at El Gouna, she highlights learning to organize events with corporate support and adapting to new sponsorship strategies, including partnerships with organizations like the Drosos Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation.
Looking ahead
El Gouna’s mission to elevate Arab cinema while maintaining an international focus continues to forge its unique identity. Marianne Khoury’s vision for a balanced, rich, and inclusive festival is steadily reshaping El Gouna’s legacy. With the festival’s resilience and innovation, the future shines bright.
Keep up with the festival’s progress and explore more about the latest films and upcoming cinematic events by following our site for continuous updates. Engage with the community and share your thoughts on social media.
