Since its creation, the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has asserted itself as an essential event in the film landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Not only does he highlight cinematographic works from around the world, but he also embodies a development engine for young talents and cinema professionals. The 7th edition, scheduled from October 24 to November 1, 2024, promises to further extend this mission, in particular with the expansion of the Cinegouna Emerge program, which becomes a real integrated platform dedicated to supporting emerging talents.
Cinegouna Emerge: an ambitious program for young creators
Initially designed as an isolated project within the GFF, Cinegouna Emerge Now is a global framework bringing together all initiatives for supporting young talents. In collaboration with the Drosos Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, this program aims to open the festival doors to new generation filmmakers from Egypt. Hundreds of young creators are thus invited to immerse themselves in the regional cinema industry, through panels, masterclasses, workshops, and networking events.
Applications for the program are open to young professionals from all backgrounds: directors, screenwriters, producers, photography directors, sound engineers, artistic directors, film critics, distributors and other professionals related to the seventh art. The participation of these talents will be fully taken care of, which will allow them to focus fully on the rewarding content of the festival, without having to worry about logistical aspects such as travel or accommodation.
The new initiatives of Cinegouna Emerge
Among the major new features of this 7th edition is the Cinegouna Rising Starsa program specially dedicated to emerging filmmakers in the Arab world and North Africa. He will highlight ten promising creators – screenwriters, directors and producers – who will be invited to participate in exclusive networking sessions with industry professionals. This program aims to offer increased visibility to these young talents while strengthening their professional network.
Another innovative initiative is the Mini-Cinegounaa program that focuses on the creative awakening of the youngest. As part of this project, primary school students will have the chance to attend a projection specially organized for them. This initiative underlines the GFF’s commitment to encourage creativity from an early age, by introducing children to the power of cinema.
Finally, Cinegouna Emerge intends to continue to offer new development opportunities to actors, photographers, journalists and other creative talents. These young artists will have the opportunity to perfect their skills, to make themselves known and to find their place in the cinematographic community.
The Cinegouna Market: promote partnerships and creation
In parallel, the Cinegouna Marketwhich will be held from October 26 to 30, 2024, plays a key role as a catalyst for collaborations between various actors in the film industry. Designed to facilitate exchanges between production companies, post-production studios, distributors and cinema institutes, this market is more spacious and versatile than ever to host discussions, meetings and networks.
The resounding success of the previous edition, which had brought together 22 exhibitors, is a promising indicator for this new edition, where the participation of production and distribution companies of the MENA region will be particularly highlighted. The objective is clear: to promote synergies between regional and international actors to guarantee the success of future projects. According to Amr Mansi, co -founder and executive director of the GFF, ” The festival has become a driving force in the film industry, both at local and regional level “, And Cinegouna Market plays a crucial role in facilitating partnerships transcending cultural and disciplinary borders.
In addition, a dedicated space called Emerge Corner will be made available to young talents participating in the Cinegouna Emerge program, allowing them to network and attend tailor -made masterclasses given by professionals in the sector.
A commitment to Arab culture and cinema
The El Gouna Film Festival has always had the ambition to serve as a bridge between Arab filmmakers and their international counterparts. This role of connector, essential for cooperation and cultural exchanges, is part of a broader vision of the festival: promoting the film industry of the region and offering it a platform where it can prosper. By honoring Arabic cinema and discovering new voices and new talents, the GFF actively contributes to the cultural and artistic vitality of the Middle East and North Africa.
The Drosos Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation: key partners
The success of the Cinegouna Emerge is largely based on the support of two flagship organizations: the Drosos Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. The first, created in 2003 in Zurich, is engaged in development projects aimed at helping young people to become economically and socially resilient. Operational in Egypt since 2005, it has supported more than 130 projects across the country, thus promoting a long -term impact.
The Sawiris Foundation, founded in 2001, is distinguished as one of the main philanthropic foundations of Egypt. It is involved in many programs to resolve the country’s social and economic challenges through sustainable initiatives. Among its actions in favor of culture, the Sawiris Cultural Award and the Sawiris Arts and Culture Scholarship play a decisive role in the recognition of emerging talents and access to high -level artistic training abroad.
These partnerships illustrate the GFF’s desire to be not only a leading cinematographic showcase, but also a major player in social and artistic development in Egypt.
The 7th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival promises to be a memorable edition, where cinema is mixed with innovation, talent development and international cooperation. With the expansion of the Cinegouna Emerge and the displayed ambition of the Cinegouna Market, the festival confirms its role as an essential platform for young creators of the MENA region. Beyond the simple broadcasting of films, the GFF is positioned as a place of meeting, learning and creation, thus shaping the future of Arab and international cinema.
