‘The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent’, Palme d'Or Winner, Kicks Off El Gouna Film Festival’s 7th edition

El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) launches its 7th edition today, celebrating a gathering of renowned filmmakers and emerging talents from around the globe. This edition promises a unique cinematic experience, featuring a dynamic mix of film premieres, cultural seminars, and workshops while fostering creative collaboration in a refined and inspiring setting.

This year's festival marks significant growth, not only in the number and caliber of films but also in the expansion of its programs and initiatives supporting young filmmakers. A highlight of these initiatives is the revamped CineGouna Funding program, which offers even greater opportunities for education, mentorship and collaboration. 

Twenty-one films, selected from across 13 Arab countries and strengthened by co-productions with producers from 9 additional Western nations, will compete for awards and grants totaling $360,000.

GFF will open its seventh edition with “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”, directed by Nebojša Slijepčević from Croatia and co-produced with France, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. 

This powerful short film, based on a true story of courage during the Bosnian War, won the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. 

It takes the place of The Last Miracle, directed by Abdelwahab Shawky, which unfortunately could not be screened.

The jury for the Feature Narrative Competition is presided over by Nandita Das, an actress and film director from India. The Egyptian members include Menna Shalaby, a talented actress. In the Feature Documentary Competition, the jury is led by Eliane Raheb, a documentary filmmaker from Lebanon, with Egyptian juror Hicham Falah, a director and producer. The Short Films Competition features Amina Khalil, an actress from Egypt, and Amir El-Masry, an actor also from Egypt. For the El Gouna Green Star category, the jury includes Tara Emad, an actress from Egypt, and Montenegro, along with Ahmed Magdy, an actor, director, and producer from Egypt.

In a moving tribute, the festival will honor the memory of beloved artists who passed away over the past year. Their work and spirit continue to shine, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and cinema. These creators were not only filmmakers but storytellers whose legacies remain alive in our hearts and on our screens.

GFF is fortunate to have the continued strong support of its sponsors. O West, as the main sponsor, is generously offering short film awards totaling EGP 2,025,000.

This year, the festival proudly welcomes a diverse array of international media professionals, including representatives from renowned global newspapers, magazines, and cultural platforms. 

The CineGouna for Emerging Talents program featured a competitive selection process, and the chosen young filmmakers will now participate in a dynamic program designed to foster creativity and innovation. With over 150 participants involved in interactive workshops, the program aims to support and nurture the next generation of cinematic talent, providing them with the tools and opportunities to excel in the film industry. The seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival is taking place from October 24 to November 1, 2024.

One of the leading festivals in the MENA region, GFF aims to showcase a wide variety of films from around the world, with an emphasis on Arab cinema, for a passionate and knowledgeable audience, while fostering better communication between cultures through the art of filmmaking. The festival’s goal is to connect filmmakers from the region with their international counterparts in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. Moreover, it aims to promote and support the industry’s growth in the region and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work in addition to discovering new voices and talents.