The 2024 ELGouna Film Festival # GFF24 drew to a close with an impressive awards ceremony that celebrated outstanding cinematic achievements from arou
The 2024 ELGouna Film Festival # GFF24 drew to a close with an impressive awards ceremony that celebrated outstanding cinematic achievements from around the globe. The festival, which took place from October 24th to November 1st, showcased a diverse lineup of 55 feature-length and documentary films, alongside 16 short films from 40 different countries. The event underscored its commitment to fostering new voices and promoting female filmmakers, with 44% of the selected films directed by women.
Key Awards for Narrative Films:
- Golden Star for Narrative Film: Awarded to The Ghost Effect (France, Germany, Belgium), directed by Jonathan Melly. The accolade includes a trophy, certificate, and $50,000.
- Silver Star for Narrative Film: Presented to The Kingdom (France), directed by Julien Colonna, accompanied by a trophy, certificate, and $25,000.
- Bronze Star for Narrative Film: Given to Girls Stay Girls (India, France, Norway, USA), directed by Shuchi Talati, with a prize of $15,000.
- Best Arab Narrative Film: Shared by Thank You for Dreaming with Us! (Palestine), directed by Leila Abbas, and Ain Water (Tunisia), directed by Mariam Jaabar, with a joint prize of $20,000.
- Best Actor: Awarded to Adam Bessa for his role in The Ghost Effect.
- Best Actress: Presented to Laura Weismar for her performance in Hail Mary, directed by Marc Cole.
Awards for Documentary Films:
- Golden Star for Documentary Film: We Are Inside (Lebanon, Qatar, Denmark), directed by Farah Kassem, won this prestigious honor, including a trophy, certificate, and $30,000.
- Silver Star for Documentary Film: Bestowed upon Soundtrack for a Coup (Belgium, France, Netherlands), directed by Johan Grimonprez, with a prize of $15,000.
- Bronze Star for Documentary Film: Awarded to A New Kind of Wilderness (Norway), directed by Silje Evensmo Jacobsen, with $7,500 in prize money.
- Best Arab Documentary Film: Jointly awarded to I Lift My Eyes to the Sky (Egypt, France, Denmark, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) by Nada Riad and Ayman El Amir, and My Memory Is Full of Ghosts (Syria) by Anas El Zawahiri, each receiving $10,000.
Short Film Awards:
- Golden Star for Short Film: After (Palestine), directed by Maha Haj, claimed the top prize of $15,000.
- Silver Star for Short Film: How We Got Our Mother Back, directed by Gonçalo Waddington, won the $7,500 award.
- Bronze Star for Short Film: Tides (Lebanon, Qatar, USA), directed by Nay Tabbara, secured a prize of $4,000.
- Best Arab Short Film: The Sea’s Trust, which received $5,000.
- Special Mention: Every Dawn by Amir Youssef (Egypt).
Additional Highlights:
The festival also honored Lebanese filmmakers Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige with the Creative Achievement Award, celebrating their innovative contributions to cinema. The Green Star Award for films promoting sustainability was given to The Fight for Laikipia.
Special Recognitions:
- The FIPRESCI Award was presented to Girls Stay Girls by Shuchi Talati (India).
- The NETPAC Award for the Best Asian Film went to We Are Inside.
The ceremony was marked by moving moments, including a tribute to the late artists Hassan Youssef and Mostafa Fahmy, observed with a minute of silence. The night resonated with heartfelt speeches and an air of excitement, embodying the festival’s dedication to championing exceptional talent and storytelling from around the world.
Stay updated with our festival highlights and news coverage by following #TheWorldScreen.
Sari Albeder – Elgouna Film Festival 2024 #GFF24
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