El Gouna Film Festival unveils the jurors of the 7th edition

El Gouna Film Festival unveils the distinguished jurors who play a pivotal role in our Feature Narrative, Feature Documentary, and Short Film Competitions. Additionally, films in the festival’s program will compete for prestigious accolades such as the El Gouna Green Star, the Cinema for Humanity Award, and the FIPRESCI and NETPAC Awards. This year's juries, featuring industry professionals from around the globe, bring a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to celebrating the art of cinema, ensuring that this festival will stand out as a highlight in the film calendar. 

1- FEATURE NARRATIVE COMPETITION 

In this section, GFF presents a selection of narrative films from around the world, offering original stories and showcasing diverse voices and cinematic creativity. The following jurors evaluate these works. 

Nandita Das (India) – Actress and Film director, President of the Jury Acclaimed for her strong stance on social justice, Nandita Das has acted in over 40 feature films in 10 languages. Her directorial works, such as Firaaq (2008 TIFF) and Manto (2018 Cannes), have received critical acclaim for their humanistic storytelling. Das served twice on the jury in Cannes and was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the Ministry of Culture, Government of France. 

Charles Tesson (France) – Film Critic and Academic Former artistic director of Cannes Critics' Week, Tesson is a highly respected voice in film criticism, recognized for his deep knowledge of world cinema. 

Sibel Kekilli (Germany) – Actress Best known for her performances in Head-On (Golden Bear, 2024 Berlinale, Best Actress and German Film Awards) and HBO’s Game of Thrones. She is acclaimed for her portrayal of complex characters and her activism for women's rights. 

Sofia Djama (Algeria) – Director Sofia Djama, an Algerian director, gained recognition with her award-winning debut feature The Blessed (2017) at Venice and her acclaimed short Mollement un samedi matin (2012) at Clermont-Ferrand. She is now developing two upcoming features, Jeudi moins le quart and Bac 94. 

Menna Shalaby (Egypt) – Actress Shalaby is an award-winning Egyptian actress with over 50 films and shows to her name, many directed by some of the Arab world’s most renowned filmmakers. She made history as the first Arab actress to be nominated for an International Emmy. 

2-FEATURE DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION JURY 

In this category, GFF brings forward a selection of cutting-edge non-fiction films by international directors, delving into real-world themes through powerful and engaging storytelling. These films will be assessed by a panel of jurors listed below 

Raheb (Lebanon) – Documentary Filmmaker, President of the Jury Raheb is renowned for her socially conscious documentaries, such as Sleepless Nights and Those Who Remain, which have garnered international accolades. 

Hicham Falah (Morocco) – Director and Producer Recognized for his work in Moroccan documentary filmmaking, Falah serves as the Artistic Director of the Agadir International Documentary Film Festival (FIDADOC). His deep understanding of the documentary genre makes him a respected voice in Arab cinema. 

Jérôme Paillard (France) – Film Industry Consultant Paillard has been at the forefront of the film industry as the former Executive Director of the Cannes Film Market. He has contributed significantly to the global film landscape, with a focus on connecting filmmakers with markets and audiences. 

Nejib Belkadhi (Tunisia) – Filmmaker Belkadhi is celebrated for his contributions to both documentary and narrative cinema. His feature Bastardo (2013) and the documentary We Are Here (2016) have garnered international acclaim at numerous film festivals. Known for tackling social and political issues his work continues to resonate with audiences globally. 

Steffi Niederzoll (Germany) – Director and Producer Niederzoll, winner of El Gouna Silver Star at GFF 2023 for the highly acclaimed Seven Winters in Tehran (2023), which premiered at Berlinale, is known for documentaries that focus on human rights and personal narratives. Her work is widely recognized for its emotional depth and poignant storytelling. 

3- SHORT FILM COMPETITION JURY

In this competition, GFF features a collection of short narrative films by both emerging and established filmmakers, highlighting fresh perspectives and artistic innovation from across the globe. The jury members listed below will be tasked with selecting the best of these short films. 

Amina Khalil (Egypt) – Actress Amina Khalil is an Egyptian-American actress with 14 years in Egyptian TV and cinema. Trained in New York and Moscow, her notable works include Grand Hotel (2016), Khali Balak Min Zizi (2021), and El Harsha El Sab’a (2023). As a UNFPA Honorary Goodwill Ambassador, she advocates for women's rights, environmental issues, and mental health, while aspiring to direct. 

Amir El-Masry (Egypt) – Actor Amir El-Masry is an Egyptian-British actor celebrated for his performances in Limbo (2020), which premiered at Cannes, and In Camera (2023). He won Best Actor at the BAFTA Scotland Awards. El-Masry also portrayed Mohamed Al Fayed in The Crown (2016) and gained international recognition in Lost in London (2017) and Club Zero (2023). Lina Soualem (France/Palestine/Algeria) – Actress and Filmmaker Soualem is a French-Palestinian-Algerian filmmaker known for her debut documentary Their Algeria (2020), which won Best Arab Documentary at GFF#2020. Her second feature, Bye Bye Tiberias (2023) screened at GFF last year and represented Palestine at the 2024 Oscars. Soualem also acted in You Deserve a Lover (2019) and I Still Hide to Smoke (2015). 

Sam Manacsa (Philippines) – Producer and Film Programmer Manacsa (winner of El Gouna Golden Star for Best Short GFF#2023) has played a vital role in promoting Filipino cinema on the global stage.   

Rakeen Saad (Jordan) - Rakeen Saad, an Actress, from Jordan, made her cinematic debut in 3000 Nights (2015) and gained recognition for roles in AlRawabi School for Girls (2021) and the Egyptian series Rivo (2022) and The Giza Butcher (2023). She stars in the upcoming Netflix series Echoes of the Past (2024) and the films Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo (2024) and Boomah. EL GOUNA GREEN STAR In this section, GFF highlights films that focus on environmental issues, ecology, and wildlife, promoting sustainability and raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. The following jurors will carefully evaluate these impactful films for the prestigious Green Star Award.   

Tara Emad (Egypt/Montenegro) – ActressTara Emad is an Egyptian Montenegrin actress known for her roles in Torab El-Mas (2014), The Blue Elephant 2 (2019), and Diamond Dust (2021). A prominent figure in Arab cinema, she serves as Chanel and Cartier ambassador and is a regular jury member at major film festivals. 

Ahmed Magdy (Egypt) – Actor, Director and Producer Ahmed Magdy is an Egyptian actor, director, and producer known for his boundary-pushing work in Arab cinema. His directorial debut, No One There (2021), premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival. He continues to develop innovative projects that tackle bold themes in contemporary storytelling. 

 Annemiek van der Hell (Netherlands) – Producer Van der Hell is the founder of Windmill Film, recognized for her contributions to environmentally conscious filmmaking. She produced several acclaimed films, including Silence of the Tides (2021 GFF) made over two years. 

4-FIPRESCI JURY

The FIPRESCI jury is tasked with recognizing exceptional cinema among debut filmmakers from Africa, Asia, and South America. Their discerning insights ensure that significant artistic achievements are highlighted. M

Arwa Tag Eldeen (Sudan) – Film Critic, President of the JuryArwa Tag Eldeen is a prominent film critic with a focus on African and Middle Eastern cinema, playing a vital role in fostering dialogue about the evolution of African cinema. Francisco Ferreira (Portugal) – Film CriticRenowned for his insightful critiques, Francisco Ferreira is a respected figure in the film criticism community, known for his discerning perspectives. 

Letícia Alassë (Brazil) – Film CriticLetícia Alassë is a passionate advocate for independent and Latin American cinema, working tirelessly to enhance its visibility on the global stage. NETPAC JURY The NETPAC Jury, dedicated to Asian cinema, will select the Best Asian Film at GFF 2024. By highlighting a standout film from this dynamic region, the jury amplifies the diversity and richness of voices that shape the festival’s narrative landscape. Below is the esteemed panel of jurors for this award. 

Asif Rustamov (Azerbaijan) – Filmmaker, President of the NETPAC Jury Rustamov’s films explore human relationships and social change, earning international recognition. 

Ludmila Cvikova (Slovakia) – Film Curator Cvikova brings a wealth of knowledge in Asian and Eastern European cinema through her work with major festivals.

Kais Kasim (Iraq/Sweden) – Journalist and Film Critic Kais Kasim is a prominent journalist and film critic known for his work in major Arabic publications since the 1970s. He has covered international and Arab film festivals and served on the Editorial Board of Arab Cinema Magazine. 

5-CINEMA FOR HUMANITY AWARD JURY

The audience at the El Gouna Film Festival will serve as the jury for the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award, recognizing films that embody humanitarian themes. Feature-length films across all sections are eligible for nomination. El Gouna Film Festival proudly presents a diverse range of competitions, from feature narratives to short films, documentaries, and special awards. The juries play a key role in recognizing the remarkable talent and creativity showcased this year. Together, they will confer awards on the winning films, distributing a total of $230,000 in prizes. 

Amr Mansi, Executive Director of GFF, shared, “We are excited to have such a talented group of jurors this year, each bringing their unique perspective and passion for film. Their expertise will be invaluable in shining a light on the extraordinary stories presented at this year’s festival. I thank them for their commitment and look forward to the pleasure of meeting them and wish them a great experience at El Gouna.” 

Marianne Khoury remarked, “Awards are not just accolades; they are milestones that can significantly impact a filmmaker’s journey. The connection between the audience and the awards process is crucial, as their voices and opinions help shape the recognition of talent. We are grateful to the jurors for their dedication and commitment to this process.”