El Gouna Film Festival opens submissions for eighth edition
Participating films will compete for the El Gouna Star awards, with a total of $234,000 in cash prizes distributed across the different competition.
El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has begun accepting film submissions for its eighth edition, set to take place from October 16 to 24, 2025. The submission period, which commenced on April 1, 2025, will remain open until June 30, 2025.
Known for its cultural scene and commitment to artistic innovation, the festival is held in the picturesque town of El Gouna, providing an inspiring setting for filmmakers and industry professionals. The event celebrates cinematic excellence and serves as a prominent platform for both emerging and established filmmakers.
Competing films will vie for the esteemed El Gouna Star awards, with a total prize pool of $234,000 distributed across three main categories: Feature Narrative Competition, Feature Documentary Competition and Short Film Competition. Additionally, films exploring humanitarian themes can compete for the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award, while those focusing on environmental issues are eligible for the El Gouna Green Star Award.
Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of GFF, shared her anticipation for this year's submissions and said: 'As we embark on the journey towards our eighth edition, I am particularly excited about the potential for discovering new cinematic voices and narratives. Each year brings a fresh wave of creativity, and we are deeply committed to providing a platform where emerging talents can shine alongside established filmmakers. We eagerly await the stories that will shape this year's festival and invite filmmakers worldwide to share their unique perspectives with us.'
Beyond film screenings, GFF continues to foster industry engagement through a lineup of networking sessions, industry events and panel discussions aimed at stimulating dialogue and collaboration among filmmakers and professionals.
Amr Mansi, Executive Director of GFF, emphasized the festival's ongoing commitment, added: 'The El Gouna Film Festival has established itself as a key event in the regional and international film calendar. As we look towards our 8th edition, our focus remains on curating a selection of impactful films and facilitating crucial industry discussions. We are driven by the desire to contribute to the growth and development of the film industry and eagerly anticipate the compelling narratives that will define this year's festival.'
Over the years, GFF has cemented its status as a major cultural event, gaining increased recognition from the global film community. The rising number of submissions further underscores its importance in the international cinematic landscape.
Filmmakers interested in participating can submit their entries via the official festival website, where they will find comprehensive guidelines and entry forms.
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