For its 8ᵉ edition, the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) announces the opening of applications for programs Cinegouna Emergean initiative supported by his Impact partner – Strategic partner engaged in actions with a strong social and cultural impact – Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD), as well as by the European Union in Egypt. Designed to support and strengthen the emerging talents of cinema, this system confirms the festival’s commitment to support the new generation of creators in Egypt, the Arab world and Africa.
Building on the success met during the two previous editions, Cinegouna Emerge Hundreds of participants allowed bonds with the regional and international film industry, while integrating a dynamic peer community. Many former participants have taken decisive stages in their professional career, often recognizing that this program has played a pivotal role in their evolution. For 2025, the festival is still expanding the field of opportunities, ensuring that each young talent can find a space to develop, connect and flourish.
This edition is deployed through several distinct routes. The flagship program, Cinegouna Emergeis aimed at young filmmakers and professionals in the sector – directors, writers, producers, actors, operators, editors, sound engineers – by offering them a complete immersion in the festival: projections, masterclassesround tables, workshops, and targeted meetings to promote exchanges and collaborations.
THE Seeme Track is specially designed for emerging actors. It allows them to live the experience of the red carpet, to prepare to dialogue with the press and the media, and to present themselves with confidence to directors, producers and agents.
With the Track perspectivesit is the young photographers, journalists, film critics and content creators that are highlighted. They will be able to cover the festival through articles, photographic reports or videos, in collaboration with the Press team and GFF publications.
Big news this year: Emerge: Take Two. This unprecedented course is reserved for former participants of previous editions, invited to return as mentors to support newcomers throughout their experience at the Festival.
Applications are open to people aged 18 to 35, or professionals at the start of their career. Participants must be students or graduates of film or media training, having contributed to at least one film or a series projected publicly, or actively develop a project linked to the cinema. The candidates selected will benefit from accreditation giving them access to projections, the Cinegouna Forum and the market activities. Their interior travel costs, accommodation and meals will also be covered.
For Amr Mansi, Executive Director of the El Gouna Film Festival, ” Cinegouna Emerge is the initiative closest to our heart, and one of the most impactful in the festival. By expanding it in a multi-park program, we offer each young talent-whether filmmaker, actor, criticism or content creator-the possibility of learning, progressing and shining in El Gouna. »»
Marianne Khoury, artistic director of the GFF, underlines: “During the last two editions, we noted the impact transformer of Cinegouna Emerge. Many of our former participants are working actively in industry today, and their feedback is extremely positive. The extension of the program this year aims to make what we have received: the old ones will accompany the new ones, and together, we will continue to build a strong and united creative network. »»
For Hayat Aljowaily, manager of Cinegouna Emerge“Our mission has always been to support the new generation of stories of stories in Egypt, the Arab world and Africa. The introduction of new courses as Take Two illustrates our faith in continuity, mentorship and the strength of the community within the film sector. »»
Registrations for all courses of Cinegouna Emerge 2025 are open on the official website of the El Gouna Film Festival and will end on August 17, 2025. A unique opportunity for young creators to join an expanding network, and to participate in the development of cinema in the region.
