‘Dream Away’ to participate at GIFF, BFI London festival

CAIRO – 18 September 2018: Egyptian documentary film ‘’Dream Away’’ was chosen to participate in the official competition at the second edition of El-Gouna International Film Festival and the 62nd edition of the BFI London Film Festival.

‘’Dream Away’’ tackles the struggles of some youth from modest backgrounds working in the tourism sector at the resort town Sharm El-Sheikh. Some find the freedom and independence they aspire for, while others view holidaymakers’ lifestyles as sinful.

The film is directed by Egyptian director Marouan Omara and German director Johanna Domke. This is the second cooperation between both Omara and Domke since their previous documentary, ‘’Crop.’’

In 2017, ‘’Dream Away’’ participated in the Final Cut workshop programme of the Venice Film Festival in Italy.

‘’Dream Away’’ is Omara’s first feature-length documentary. Omara studied filmmaking at the Higher Institute of Cinema. He directed several short and mid-length films and documentaries entitled ‘’Azziara’’ and ‘’One Plus One Makes a Pharaoh’s Chocolate Cake.’’

Domke is a visual artist and filmmaker whose work was featured in France, Denmark and Germany, among other countries. In 2006, she received the International Video Art Forum prize in Hamburg.

The El Gouna International Film Festival management announced that the famed American star Patrick Dempsey will be the guest of honor at the festival’s second edition.

In addition, Dempsey will bring over his latest TV series, which has not yet aired, to the festival. For the first time, El Gouna Film Festival will showcase a glimpse of Dempsey’s new TV series with MGM entitled, “The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair.”

“The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair” series is based on a novel bearing the same name. El-Gouna International Film Festival will take place September 20-28, while BFI London Film Festival will be held between October 10 and 21.

GIFF management previously announced that they will grant the Creative Achievement Award to iconic Egyptian director Daoud Abdel Sayed and Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha.

This year’s jury includes world-renowned Arab actor Ali Suliman, Egyptian film star Mona Zaki, acclaimed Moroccan director Ahmed el-Maanouni, Croatian producer Cedomir Kolar, Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, film programmer Ally Derks and three-time Green Oscar winning Indian filmmaker Mike Pandey.

The jury also includes Georgian director Ana Urushadze, whose film "Scary Mother" won GIFF’s Golden Star in 2017, Jordanian actress Saba Mubarak, Austrian programmer Doris Bauer, and Palestinian actor Kamel el-Basha, who won the Best Actor Award at the 2017 Venice Film Festival.

GIFF’s management continues its cooperation with international entities, including its partnership with Variety. During the festival, Variety will present their annual Arab Talent Award, which was given to Lebanese director Ziad Doueiri last year.
El Gouna International Film Festival management announced that famed American star Patrick Dempsey will be the guest of honor of the second edition of the festival.

Dempsey will bring over his latest TV series, which has not yet aired, to the festival. El Gouna Film Festival will highlight inaugural scenes from Dempsey’s new TV series with MGM entitled “The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair”.