Guests and film industry professionals gather on the red carpet during the El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt, ahead of screenings and events celebrating international and Arab cinema. Photo: Associated Press

NNA News - Egypt's El Gouna Film Festival has opened its ninth edition with an international programme of films, industry discussions and initiatives supporting filmmakers, bringing cinema professionals to the Red Sea coastal destination until 23 October.

The festival, which opened on Thursday, is set to screen 77 films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries and short films. Its programme combines public screenings with professional events designed to encourage collaboration, develop projects and strengthen film production across the region.

Held under the theme “Cinema for Humanity”, the festival seeks to use cinema to connect audiences and highlight stories from different societies.

Samih Sawiris, founder of El Gouna and chairman of the festival, said the event was established to give filmmakers greater opportunities to tell their own stories.

“GFF started with a simple idea: many people have stories to tell, but have too often had those stories told for them,” Sawiris said in the festival's announcement of its ninth edition.

He said the festival aimed to support films and filmmakers who might otherwise struggle to secure financing, distribution or an audience.

CineGouna, the festival's industry platform, is a central part of that effort. Its programmes offer funding, training, mentorship and networking opportunities to help filmmakers develop projects and connect with industry professionals.

Amr Mansi, the festival's co-founder and executive director, said the programme continued to focus on emerging talent and stories from the region.

“Over the years, the festival has utilized its domestic, regional and international platform for films to highlight the challenges faced by humanity,” Mansi said in the festival's official announcement.

This year's programme also includes the “Window on Palestine” selection, presented for the fourth consecutive year, which uses film to bring Palestinian experiences and perspectives to international audiences.

The festival's commitment to regional storytelling comes amid efforts to strengthen the visibility of Arab and African cinema and create opportunities for filmmakers to reach audiences beyond their home markets.

Talia Sawiris, the festival's director of cultural strategy, highlighted the inclusion of Chinese films in this year's programme, pointing to the growing importance of cultural exchange between countries of the Global South.

“I'm really proud to have Chinese films in the lineup this year. Increasingly, the Global South is more and more important,” she said.

The festival also provides a platform for discussions about the future of cinema, including financing, distribution, new technology and the challenges facing filmmakers in a changing industry.

Andrew Mohsen, the festival's artistic director, said the ninth edition was designed to broaden the range of stories and perspectives represented in its selection.

“This year, we worked to broaden our film selection across a wider range of subjects and perspectives while choosing films that can resonate with audiences and create a meaningful connection,” Mohsen said in the festival's announcement.

Founded in 2017, El Gouna Film Festival has become a regional meeting point for filmmakers, actors, producers, and other cinema professionals. Its ninth edition runs until 23rd October, combining screenings with industry activities intended to support film development and encourage international cultural exchange.