About El Gouna Film Festival

El Gouna Film Festival, one of the leading festivals in the MENA region, aims to showcase a wide variety of films for a passionate and knowledgeable audience; while fostering better communication between cultures through the art of filmmaking. Its goal is to connect filmmakers from the region with their international counterparts in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. The festival is committed to the discovery of new voices and strives to be a catalyst for the development of cinema in the Arab world, particularly through its industry segment, CineGouna Platform. The 3rd edition of GFF will present a selection of the newest films from around the globe.

The festival’s program consists of the three official competitions (Feature Narrative Competition, Feature Documentary Competition and Short Film Competition), the Official Selection Out Of Competition and Special Presentations. A total of about 80 films will screen at the festival, which will proudly be awarding US $224,000, along with certificates and trophies, to the winners of the competitive sections. Feature-length films with a humanitarian theme across any section will be eligible for GFF’s special Cinema for Humanity Audience Award. In the context of the Special Presentations, iconic films from the past that continue to be cherished by film-loving audiences will be screened.
The festival will also be presenting the 3rd edition of the CineGouna Platform, an industry- oriented event created to support and empower Arab filmmakers, helping them find artistic and financial support among Arab and international professionals.

The CineGouna Platform presents program initiatives such as the CineGouna SpringBoard and the CineGouna Bridge that not only provide several financial awards, but also learning opportunities through filmmaking workshops, panel discussions, roundtables and master classes with experts in the field of cinema.
CineGouna Platform is expected to award a total of US $175,000 to the winning projects in development and films in post-production. The prizes are funded by El Gouna Film Festival along with its sponsors and partners.

With the exciting film screenings and activities planned for the 3rd edition, El Gouna Film Festival is certain to maintain its unique function as the meeting point for filmmakers, critics and audiences who will gather to celebrate the art, craft and business of cinema.

About El Gouna

GFF’s selection of El Gouna as its venue allows the festival to conveniently host and welcome guests and participants from all over the world. Just a four-hour flight from Europe’s major capitals, a four-hour drive from Cairo and a 30-minute drive from Hurghada International Airport, El Gouna is a place to savor rest and recreation, as well as colorful nightlife, with its year-round sunshine and picturesque views. It is a fully integrated, self-sufficient town, adhering to the highest global standards while offering a uniquely charming coastal experience. Covering 10 km of pristine shoreline on the beautiful Red Sea coast and accommodating 19 reputable hotels, two championship golf courses, three world-class marinas, co-working facilities, an airport, schools, universities, and an international hospital, the town has been thoughtfully designed to cater to everybody’s needs. In addition to the influx of visitors from around the world, over 15,000 Egyptians and international residents call El Gouna their home and allow the festival to have a core audience. El Gouna’s gracious seaside living supported by the convenience and exclusivity of a self-contained community, in addition to its commitment to operational efficiency made the town well versed in the art of hospitality.