The 7th edition of the ElGouna Film Festival concluded with grandeur after nine days of dynamic activities and cinematic excellence. Attended by notab
The 7th edition of the ElGouna Film Festival concluded with grandeur after nine days of dynamic activities and cinematic excellence. Attended by notable figures such as Naguib Sawiris, the festival’s founder, Samih Sawiris, the festival president and founder of El Gouna, and Amr Mansi, co-founder and executive director, the event brought together a global community of film professionals and enthusiasts.
This year’s festival set unprecedented records, with 5,500 public accreditations sold and 22,500 tickets booked for various screenings and events. Executive Director Amr Mansi attributed this success to the introduction of the centralized “Hub,” which streamlined the experience for attendees and enabled the festival to reach these remarkable milestones.
Unforgettable Moments and Honoring Excellence
The closing ceremony began with a heartfelt tribute to the late Egyptian actors Hassan Youssef and Mostafa Fahmy, with a minute of silence observed in their memory. Following this, the audience witnessed a series of inspiring moments, including the Creative Achievement Award presented to Lebanese artists Joanna Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige for their groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art and cinema.
Festival President Samih Sawiris emphasized the festival’s mission to foster creativity and cultural exchange, stating:
“Every year, the Gouna Film Festival brings us closer to our vision of promoting Arab cinema and connecting it to global audiences.”
Amr Mansi echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in transforming the festival from an event perceived as exclusive to a platform that celebrates cinema for everyone.
Awards: A Celebration of Cinematic Brilliance
Feature Film Competition
- Best Narrative Feature: “The Ghost Effect” (France, Germany, Belgium) by Jonathan Millet.
- Best Actress: Laura Wismar for her role in “Maria’s Selfie”.
- Best Actor: Adam Bessa for “The Ghost Effect”.
Documentary Film Competition
- Best Arab Documentary Film: Awarded jointly to “I Lift My Eyes to the Sky” (Egypt, France, Denmark, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) and “My Memory is Full of Ghosts” (Syria).
Short Film Competition
- Golden Star for Best Short Film: “Beyond” by Maha Haj (Palestine, Italy, France).
- Special Mention: “Every Morning” by Amir Youssef (Egypt) and “No Sound” by Samuel Pati (Switzerland).
Cinema for Humanity Audience Award
The audience-selected award was presented to “Flipped” (Lebanon), recognized for its impactful storytelling and emotional resonance.
A New Highlight: The “Behind the Camera” Award
Making its debut this year, the “Behind the Camera” Award honored professionals whose exceptional contributions to filmmaking often go unrecognized.
- Creative Achievement Award: Egyptian costume designer Nahed Nasrallah.
- Special Recognition: Cinematographer Abdel Salam Moussa and composer Ahmed Al-Sawy.
Looking Ahead: Gouna’s Journey to the Global Stage
In his closing remarks, Amr Mansi expressed optimism about the festival’s future, emphasizing its growing influence on Arab and international cinema. He credited the success to the dedicated support of the Egyptian government, sponsors, and contributors such as Intishal Tamimi, who played a vital role in shaping the festival’s identity.
Artistic Director Marianne Khoury praised the selection of films this year, noting that they reflected diverse perspectives and creative brilliance, from emerging talents to established filmmakers.
Global Spotlight and Media Coverage
The festival garnered widespread attention, with #TheWorldScreen following every activity, panel, and cinematic showcase over the nine days. Their comprehensive coverage highlighted the festival’s efforts to create a vibrant space for cultural exchange and support for filmmakers.
Nabil Alani – ElGouna Film Festival 2024, #GFF24
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