Latest news with #MarianneKhoury
Broadcast Pro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
El Gouna Film Festival opens call for CineGouna Emerge programmes
Applications for all CineGouna Emerge 2025 tracks are open on the El Gouna Film Festival website until August 17, 2025. El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has announced the open call for its CineGouna Emerge programmes for the festival's eighth edition, supported by Impact Partner Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) and the European Union in Egypt. The initiative aims to empower young and emerging talents in the film industry, reaffirming GFF's commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and creatives from Egypt, the Arab world and Africa. Building on the success of the past two editions, CineGouna Emerge has offered hundreds of participants a gateway to both regional and international film industries, fostering connections within a creative community. Many alumni have credited the programme as a turning point in their careers, with the festival continuing to expand its support for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals. This year's edition offers several tracks tailored to different creative disciplines. The flagship CineGouna Emerge Programme welcomes young filmmakers and film professionals — from directors and screenwriters to cinematographers and sound designers — to engage with the festival through screenings, workshops, masterclasses, panels and networking events. The SeeMe Track focuses on emerging actors, preparing them for red carpet appearances, media engagement and introductions to industry decision-makers. The Perspectives Track is designed for photographers, journalists, film critics and content creators, enabling them to cover the festival in collaboration with its Press & Publications team. For the first time, the festival introduces Emerge: Take Two, a track that brings back alumni as peer mentors to guide new participants. Participation is open to applicants aged 18–35 who are students or graduates of film and media programmes, have worked on at least one publicly screened film or series, or are developing a cinema-related project. Selected participants will receive festival accreditation with access to screenings, the CineGouna Forum, and market activities, alongside exclusive networking opportunities. Domestic travel, accommodation, and meal vouchers will also be provided, ensuring participants can fully immerse themselves in the experience. Amr Mansi, Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival, said: 'CineGouna Emerge has grown into the closest initiative to our heart, and one of the Festival's most impactful initiatives. By expanding the program into a multi-track umbrella, we are ensuring that every young talent — from filmmakers to actors, from critics to content creators — finds a place to learn, grow, and shine at GFF.' Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival, added: 'Over the past two editions, we've seen firsthand the transformative impact of CineGouna Emerge. Many of our alumni now work actively in the film industry, and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This year's expansion is about giving back — alumni will mentor new participants, and together, we will continue to build a strong and supportive creative network.' Hayat Aljowaily, Head of CineGouna Emerge, noted: 'Our commitment has always been to nurture the next generation of storytellers from Egypt, the Arab world and Africa. The introduction of new tracks such as Take Two is a testament to our belief in continuity, mentorship, and the power of community in the film industry.' Applications for all CineGouna Emerge 2025 tracks are now open on the official El Gouna Film Festival website. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before August 17, 2025, and join a growing community of filmmakers and creatives shaping the future of cinema in the region.
CairoScene
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Aspiring Filmmakers Can Now Attend GFF Free of Charge
Aspiring Filmmakers Can Now Attend GFF Free of Charge El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its CineGouna Emerge programme, offering young filmmakers, actors, critics, and content creators from Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa the chance to attend the festival entirely free of charge. Backed by the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and the European Union in Egypt, the programme provides a full scholarship covering festival accreditation, domestic travel, accommodation, meals, and access to screenings, masterclasses, and networking events. 'CineGouna Emerge is the closest initiative to our heart,' GFF's Executive Director Amr Mansi tells CairoScene. 'By expanding it into a multi-track umbrella, we're ensuring every young talent—from filmmakers to actors, from critics to content creators—finds a place to learn, grow, and shine at GFF.' For 2025, the programme introduces several tracks. The flagship programme immerses filmmakers and industry newcomers in the festival's activities, while the SeeMe Track spotlights emerging actors, and Perspectives invites young photographers, journalists, and critics to cover the festival alongside GFF's media team. New this year is Emerge: Take Two, which welcomes alumni back as peer mentors. 'Many of our alumni now work actively in the film industry, and this year's expansion is about giving back,' adds Marianne Khoury, GFF's Artistic Director. Applicants must be aged 18–35, be students or graduates of film and media programmes, have worked on at least one publicly screened film or series, or be developing a cinema-related project. For the first time, the programme is also welcoming a new category: 'early-career filmmakers', open to those launching their careers regardless of age. Applications are open via the El Gouna Film Festival website until August 17th, 2025, with the festival scheduled to run from October 16th to November 24th.
CairoScene
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Sohag to Host its First-Ever Film Forum MESAHAT in July
Funded by the EU in Egypt and EUNIC, the forum will take place at New Sohag City and feature a talk by Marianne Khoury. Jun 13, 2025 Sohag is set to host MESAHAT, the first film Festival based on the governorate, at the Arts and Culture Center of the Future Generation School in New Sohag City starting July 24th. The forum will feature screenings, discussions, and the formal opening of what organisers describe as the governorate's first dedicated cinema venue. Funded by the European Union in Egypt and EUNIC Egypt, MESAHAT is designed to support independent cinema and promote filmmaking initiatives outside Cairo. The forum will focus on decentralised narratives within Egypt, particularly those aligned with broader conversations in the Global South. The programme includes a discussion session titled 'Cinema in the South: From Individual Initiatives to Independent Filmmaking', featuring Egyptian filmmaker and producer Marianne Khoury, known for her work with emerging talents and alternative cinema. The forum will also host a screening of films produced by Nghmsha, including 'Give & Take' directed by Medhat Saleh and 'Laila' directed by Peter Mounir. According to organisers, this marks the first public film screening in a cinema space in Sohag. MESAHAT follows a growing trend of cultural events expanding beyond Egypt's capital. It sits alongside other regional festivals such as the Luxor African Film Festival, the Aswan Women Film Festival, and the Alexandria Short Film Festival—all part of broader efforts to decentralise cultural programming and increase access to film infrastructure outside Cairo.
Broadcast Pro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
El Gouna Film Festival to spotlight Egyptian cinema at Cannes 2025
Throughout the festival, the Egyptian Pavilion will host a series of insightful panel discussions, addressing key aspects of filmmaking and industry trends. El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has announced a lineup of events and panels to be hosted at the Egyptian Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival, running from May 13 to 24, 2025. In partnership with the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and the Egypt Film Commission (EFC), GFF's participation is set to elevate the presence of Egyptian and Arab cinema on the global stage. Amr Mansi, Founder and Executive Director of GFF, said: 'Our presence within the Egypt Pavilion at Cannes underscores the power of collaboration. Together with CIFF and EFC, we aim to amplify the voice of Egyptian cinema and forge meaningful connections with the global film community.' The Egyptian Pavilion will serve as a hub for international engagement throughout the festival, offering a curated series of panel discussions that connect global industry professionals with opportunities and talent from Egypt and the wider Arab world. The panels will cover critical topics such as Egypt's potential as a global filming destination, cross-industry collaboration between Hollywood and Cairo, and strategies for strengthening the regional film festival ecosystem. A key highlight of the programme includes the panel 'Filming in Egypt: Egypt as a Global Filming Destination' on May 14, which will explore the country's appeal and practical advantages for international film productions. Subsequent sessions will examine cooperation between the American and Egyptian film sectors, the growth of co-productions within the Arab world, and the rise of emerging Arab filmmakers. Artistic Director Marianne Khoury underlined the programme's broader goals, and added: 'From insightful discussions to celebrating the success of films like Aisha Can't Fly Anymore (Un Certain Regard) and Life After Siham (2025 ACID), our program in Cannes is designed to spotlight the talent and opportunities within the Egyptian film landscape.' The Egyptian Pavilion aims to serve as a vibrant space for filmmakers, producers, distributors and other professionals to connect, build partnerships, and discover the creative energy coming out of Egypt and the Arab region.
Broadcast Pro
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
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.
