Economia
El Gouna Film Festival Closes Its 7th Edition, Breaking Records with Unparalleled Global and Regional Attendance
EL GOUNA, Egypt, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 7th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) wrapped up with an extraordinary closing ceremony, celebrating the diverse power of global cinema and the year's most influential voices in filmmaking.
Hosted by Ms. Annabella Hilal, the event gathered prominent international filmmakers, creators, and guests, reflecting on cinema's unique ability to foster cross-cultural understanding and inspire change.
Ms. Hilal also recognized the invaluable support of the festival's sponsors, underscoring their role in bringing the event to life. Engineer Samih Sawiris, Chairman of GFF and Founder of El Gouna , shared remarks emphasizing GFF's dedication to advancing creative expression and serving as a launchpad for storytelling that resonates both locally and internationally. Mr. Amr Mansi, Executive Director of GFF , further highlighted this year's unprecedented accomplishments, honoring the artistic contributions of the global filmmaking community.
In a heartfelt tribute, GFF commemorated cinematic legends Hassan Youssef and Mostafa Fahmy, whose legacy in Egyptian and world cinema remains profound. The evening included a tribute segment celebrating their invaluable contributions to the film industry, solidifying GFF's dedication to preserving cultural heritage.
Highlights and Awards Recognizing Excellence
The ceremony awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award to Lebanese artists Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige for their impact on contemporary art and cinema. Presented by filmmaker
Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of GFF , the award recognized their groundbreaking work across film, photography, and installations that probe themes of history and memory. Joana and Khalil's influence stretches across global festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale, and Toronto, making their mark on the international arts scene.
This year, GFF also launched the “Art Behind the Scenes” award to honor the essential contributions of those working in technical roles, from costume design to cinematography. Egyptian costume designer Nahed Nasrallah received the inaugural award for her achievements in creating unforgettable cinematic visuals. Cinematographer Abdel Salam Mousa and composer Ahmed El Sawy were also honored, emphasizing the crucial role of creative professionals in bringing stories to life.
Celebrating Global Voices through Prestigious Jury Awards
International juries brought fresh perspectives, with Asif Rustamov, Ludmila Cvikova, and Kais Kasim selecting
We Are Inside by Farah Kassem as the NETPAC Award winner for its intimate portrayal of familial bonds in Lebanon. Additionally, the FIPRESCI Prize honored
Girls Will Be Girls by Shuchi Talati, celebrating emerging talent across Africa, Asia, and South America.
Audience engagement reached new levels with the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award, which went to Disorder , a mosaic of human resilience set against complex societal crises, helmed by visionary directors Lucien Bourjeily, Bane Fakih, Wissam Charaf, and Areej Mahmoud. Engineer Naguib Sawiris, Founder of GFF , expressed his enthusiasm: "The Cinema for Humanity Audience Award embodies the heart of our festival. It reflects the voice of the audience and their passion for stories that touch lives and inspire change. I'm thrilled to see how our audiences engage with these films, and I always look keenly forward to discovering which one has captured their hearts every year."
This year's Green Star Award celebrated films shedding light on environmental themes. The Battle for Laikipia , directed by Daphne Matziaraki and Peter Murimi, captivated audiences with its impactful story on environmental justice in Kenya.
Awards Winners below:
Short Film Competition
Documentary Film Competition
Narrative Film Competition
Contacts: Reem Zaki
Email: reem.zaki@elgounafilmfestival.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ff42434-e6e3-4651-b230-46efa2c9c0fe
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