El Gouna Film Festival 2023: A Special Edition Dedicated to Solidarity, Art, and Cinema
- Nada Armanious
In a passionate and empathetic display of solidarity with the enduring struggles in Palestine, El Gouna Film Festival has commenced, forsaking its initial schedule for a profound focus on supporting Palestinian cinema. This extraordinary edition unfolds with a dedicated program curated in collaboration with the Palestine Film Institute, to help amplify the voices and narratives of the Palestinian people.
In a move reflective of the festival’s dedication to humanitarian causes, a fundraising dinner has been planned to mobilize resources for aid efforts in Gaza, in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent. This departure from celebratory norms underscores the festival’s acknowledgment of the ongoing crisis, aiming to channel the collective energy towards fostering positive change.
Amidst the cinematic showcase, the festival’s venue transforms into a convergence of art and cinema, hosting a captivating contemporary art exhibition curated by Art D’Egypte. Featuring works by esteemed artists such as Karim El Hayawan, Behna, Chant Avedissian, and Louis Barthelemy, the exhibition pays homage to the transformative power of art and its role in shaping dialogue and self-expression.
In a passionate and empathetic display of solidarity with the enduring struggles in Palestine, El Gouna Film Festival has commenced, forsaking its initial schedule for a profound focus on supporting Palestinian cinema. This extraordinary edition unfolds with a dedicated program curated in collaboration with the Palestine Film Institute, to help amplify the voices and narratives of the Palestinian people.
In a move reflective of the festival’s dedication to humanitarian causes, a fundraising dinner has been planned to mobilize resources for aid efforts in Gaza, in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent. This departure from celebratory norms underscores the festival’s acknowledgment of the ongoing crisis, aiming to channel the collective energy towards fostering positive change.
Amidst the cinematic showcase, the festival’s venue transforms into a convergence of art and cinema, hosting a captivating contemporary art exhibition curated by Art D’Egypte. Featuring works by esteemed artists such as Karim El Hayawan, Behna, Chant Avedissian, and Louis Barthelemy, the exhibition pays homage to the transformative power of art and its role in shaping dialogue and self-expression.
Over the span of six days, the festival unfolds a diverse program that goes beyond the silver screen. Engaging panel discussions bring together film enthusiasts and industry veterans to delve into the details of filmmaking, forging connections, and meaningful dialogue. From Impact Filmmaking: Walking The Walk with stars like Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek and director Sylvian George to Arabs Abroad: Representation Reframed, featuring cultural consultant Nourhan Tewfik and Egyptian actor Amir El Masry, the festival aims to create meaningful conversations.
Photo: El Gouna Film Festival
Masterclasses, led by accomplished figures like director Marwan Hamed, Huda El Mufti, and Bushra, add an enriching layer to the festival, offering an invaluable opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to learn from film giants. The international film lineup is a carefully curated selection, showcasing diverse perspectives from Algeria’s Zinet, Algiers, Happiness to Brazil’s The Buriti Flower. In the realm of Egyptian short films, gems like Sixty Egyptian Pounds by Amr Salama and But Not Forgotten by Gehad Alam find their place.
From December 14 to December 21, the festival’s screens will illuminate with movies shedding light on the Palestinian struggle. Titles like Bab El Shams, Ambulance, The Teacher, Room Knocking, and Drawing for Better Dreams promise a riveting exploration of narratives that demand attention and understanding.