The long -awaited sixth edition of the El Gouna film festival finally took off in an evening rich in emotions, not only marking a major cinematographic event, but also an act of solidarity towards Palestine.
A context of war and cinema
The kick -off of the ceremony was given by the solemn melodies of the Egyptian national anthem, followed by the screening of a short film evoking the suffering of the Palestinian people, thus marking a poignant tribute to the complex reality which permeates this edition of the festival. The devotion of the El Gouna film festival to this specific cause transformed the ceremony into an act of artistic solidarity.
Words borrowed from humanity
The great Egyptian actor Mahmoud Hemeda then spoke, raising the evening at an additional level of emotion. His speech full of humanity underlined the responsibility of cinema creators in the illumination of often overlooked stories. He portrayed cinema as a force capable of testifying to the resilience of the human spirit through stories of despair, a light in darkness. He added that he had asked him to ask for a minute of silence for the victims of the war, but that he refused to do so, because according to him, the minute of silence is equivalent to mourning, but it is not the moment of mourning, Mourning can sometimes be a way to forget, and he didn’t want to forget or that others forget.
A window on Palestine
Intishal Al Timimi and Marianne Khoury, respectively director and artistic director of the festival, presented The different members of the juries And The festival programrevealing significant changes due to the situation in Palestine. A special section, entitled “window on Palestine”, has been added, highlighting several Palestinian films and a panel entitled “Camera in crisis, a goal on Palestine”. These additions transformed the festival into a crucial awareness platform, giving a voice to Palestinian filmmakers and allow them to tell their stories and make their narrative prevail.
In addition, Intishal Al Timimi thanked all the participants and mentioned the challenges the festival has been faced in the past six years. Answering the question on postponement in October and the holding in December despite the bombing, he stressed the courageous decision to maintain the edition this year and explained that the difference was in the approach, stressing that the festival must be truly cultural, artistic and united.
Intishal Al Timimi then presented the festival program, highlighting the leading Arab and foreign films. He stressed that the festival is not limited to film screenings, but also includes an interactive component with events on the stage of El Gouna. Marianne Khoury recalled that the festival has acquired an international renown since its first edition, competing with major festivals. She also highlighted the importance of highlighting the role of the festival in the film industry and its support for young filmmakers, emphasizing content rather than appearance.
During the presentation of the films, Intishal Al Timimi and Marianne Khoury demonstrated their deep commitment to each selected work. Their passion for cinema as a means of awareness and artistic expression has enriched experience for the public and the filmmakers present. They offered insightful analyzes and enlightened comments, highlighting the importance of each film in the broader context of the festival.
The daring decision to maintain the festival
Samih Sawiris, co-founder of the festival, spoke, sharing the initial hesitations as to the decision to maintain the event in time of conflict. He expressed his pride of having made the daring decision to continue the festival, stressing the importance of maintaining a cultural platform in these difficult times. Cinema, according to Sawiris, is a manifestation of humanity even in wartime, and he expressed his confidence in the power of culture to transcend conflicts.
Dignity and elegance in solidarity
In honor of the Palestinians, the festival imposed a particular dress code for the two opening and fence ceremonies: all men in black and women had to be elegant and above all sober. With a few rare exceptions, this requirement was respected by the guests, giving the evening an atmosphere of dignity and elegance. This symbolic measure transformed the ceremony into a visual declaration of respect for a people confronted with adversity. It should be noted that some guests have pushed solidarity even further by carrying either keffiehs or traditional Palestinian clothes for a few women.
Solidarity music
The Chileo-Palestinian singer Elyanna added a significant musical dimension to the evening by interpreting “Branch of Olive”. This song, loaded with humanitarian meanings, captivated the audience and created an emotional link with Palestinian reality.
The Egyptian composer singer Abu also left his mark with a song written and sung in English specially for the Palestinians. “The World is Blind”, this song, dedicated to Palestinian children, touched the heart of the public, offering a moment of reflection on the difficult situation in which these young lives are found.
Music has once again served as a powerful way to express solidarity and empathy towards the Palestinian cause recalling that art can be a universal language of understanding and solidarity.
Tribute to the film school and technicians
The ceremony has also reserved a significant moment to pay tribute to the Egyptian cinema school, created in 1959 and having participated in forming very big names in Egyptian cinema. A report on this prestigious school has been broadcast.
Egyptian actor Mohamed Farrag took the front of the stage with elegance, sporting a black suit decorated with the Palestinian flag, to pay a moving tribute to the clapmen and the very petrol of the special moments on a film set. His speech highlighted the privilege of participating in such an exceptional event, highlighting the crucial importance of technicians in cinematographic creation.
Mohamed Farrag particularly highlighted the profession of “clapmen” and their fundamental role on a set of shooting. This profession, often neglected in the film industry, has been honored, stressing the vital importance of each individual involved in cinematographic creation. The technicians, working in the shadows, thus received a well -deserved recognition, reinforcing the conviction that each link in the cinematographic chain contributes to the magic of cinema.
A video starring the special moments of “CLAP” was then presented, highlighting the unique art of “CLAP”. On stage, two of the best Egyptian clapmen, Khairy Farag and Mohamed Kilani, were warmly welcomed and honored. They expressed their gratitude to the El Gouna film festival and its audience. The duo considered the reward as a return of kindness for all those who, in the shadows, contribute to the success of each shot, a welcome recognition for the entire team behind the cameras.
Samih Sawiris’ emotion
Samih Sawiris, founder of the city of El Gouna and chairman of the festival board of directors, went on stage, sharing his initial feelings of fear before the launch of this 6th edition. After witnessing the achievements of the opening ceremony, he expressed great joy to have made the daring decision to maintain the festival this year despite the difficult circumstances. He highlighted the need to highlight the Palestinian civilization and narrative and the capacity of the Palestinians to present cinema, thus thwarting the simplistic narrations centered on violence. Samih Sawiris thanked the public for his continuous support and expressed hope for a better year despite the current challenges.
The tribute to director Marwan Hamed
On stage, after having expressed a message full of solidarity towards the Palestinian people, the Egyptian actress Youssra announced The honorary prize for his entire career awarded to director Marwan Hamed. In record time, Hamed has inscribed his name in the history of cinema with significant achievements such as “Yacoubian building” and “Kira Wel Gen,” the latter remaining the most profitable film in the history of Egyptian cinema.
The room was enchanted by a captivating video, revealing carefully extracts selected cinematographic masterpieces of Marwan Hamed. A moment that highlighted its exceptional talent and its significant impact on the Egyptian cinematographic landscape.
The presentation of the opening film by Mariam Khoury and Amr Salama
Back on stage, Marianne Khoury, praised the entire festival team for her tireless efforts. She highlighted the crucial importance of cinematographic art as a means of understanding various cultures and realities. She then introduced the director of the opening film, Amr Salama, stressing that it was the second time that one of her films had opened the festival. The novelty this time is that it was a short film. Very good idea besides, because often guests, tired by long opening ceremonies, leave without seeing the film.
Poignant testimonies
As previously announced, the ceremony gave way to a simple cocktail, spreading the traditional party. This allowed the guests to meet, to start stimulating conversations, and above all, to carefully listen to the poignant stories of the Palestinian guests, as well as various testimonies on the impacts of the war on their lives. These stories, which affect all aspects of life, from daily moments to family and professional relationships, were shared with moving sincerity.
Neïla Driss
