El Gouna Film Festival Kicks Off With A Star-Studded Opening Ceremony

Emma Hodgson   |   26-10-2024

The seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) launched in grand style on Thursday, drawing a remarkable lineup of stars, filmmakers, and industry icons from across the globe. 

The event, which runs through until the 1st of November, has solidified its status as a premier cultural event in the region, supporting and elevating Egypt’s film industry.

The festival’s founder, Engineer Naguib Sawiris, and his brother, Engineer Samih Sawiris, joined the opening ceremony alongside actress Youssra, a member of the International Advisory Board. 

The ceremony began with the unveiling of the festival’s emblem, a performance of the Egyptian national anthem, and a comedic segment on cinematic history by Ahmed El-Ghandour, known as “El Da7ee7.”

The hosts, actors Basma and Sedky Saker, introduced a musical medley featuring Mohamed El-Sharnouby, Nouran Abu Taleb, and Hana Youssry, reviving beloved songs from Egyptian cinema. In a touching tribute, a video titled “In Memory of the Departed” honoured artists lost in the past year, followed by a speech from Director Inas El Degheidy.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of the “Creative Achievement Award” to esteemed actor Mahmoud Hamida, who expressed his gratitude to the Sawiris brothers for bringing his dream of a regional film festival to life. “The GFF symbolizes how art can connect us all,” Hamida remarked.

Amidst speeches by Naguib and Samih Sawiris, who highlighted the festival’s role in fostering global cultural dialogue, Artistic Director Marianne Khoury celebrated GFF’s showcase of 83 films from 48 countries. With a 43% representation of female directors, the festival remains committed to inclusivity and creative diversity.

This year’s GFF juries comprise renowned global talents, including Nandita Das, Menna Shalaby, and Charles Tesson, who will evaluate films across various categories.

Held in collaboration with Orascom Development and supported by a broad array of partners, GFF continues to be a cinematic landmark, drawing international attention and offering audiences a rich and vibrant celebration of the seventh art.

elgounafilmfestival.com