October. 16, 2026

El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) and Sawiris Foundation, in collaboration with El-Nahda Association for Scientific and Cultural Renaissance (Jesuit Cairo), have announced the launch of Cinema on Wheels, a new initiative bringing three short films from the official selection of the festival's ninth edition to audiences across five Egyptian governorates through free screenings followed by open discussions.

The tour will begin in Hurghada on October 23, before continuing to Minya, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan, and concluding with a special event in Cairo at the end of the month. The initiative will therefore extend the festival experience beyond its official dates, from October 15 to 23.

Featuring a selection of Egyptian and international films, the initiative offers audiences an opportunity to discover diverse cinematic perspectives and engage in discussions about the films and their themes. These discussions will be moderated by emerging film critics studying at the Jesuits Industry Academy, affiliated with Jesuit Cairo, which provides specialized training in film writing and criticism.

“We’re always exploring ways to increase the reach of El Gouna Film Festival beyond just its duration and the town of El Gouna,” says Andrew Mohsen, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival. “This initiative will allow us to extend the experience to governorates that typically do not get as much inclusion when it comes to film and other artistic experiences. This is one of the ways through which we extend the support offered by the festival to young talents from various governorates.”

Cinema on Wheels builds on the longstanding partnership between El Gouna Film Festival and Sawiris Foundation, which encompasses supporting emerging filmmakers, developing film projects, and advancing accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. The initiative adds another dimension to this collaboration, connecting efforts to support filmmakers with a commitment to reaching audiences beyond El Gouna.

Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: “The value of a film festival lies not only in the films it presents, but also in who gets to see them. As El Gouna Film Festival’s Impact and Accessibility Partner, we believe culture is not a luxury, but an essential part of development and a right for all, particularly in communities we have worked with for 25 years. Cinema on Wheels brings this belief to life, taking films beyond the festival to audiences across different governorates who might otherwise miss out, and creating space for dialogue on issues that matter to their lives. Our partnership supports emerging filmmakers while connecting their work with wider audiences, making cinema a means of empowerment and awareness, not just entertainment.”

“El Gouna Film Festival and the Sawiris Foundation have built a strong relationship over the years based on a mutual belief in the important role that film can play in preserving our culture and our collective identity,” says Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival. “Cinema on Wheels will allow us to bring selected films to audiences beyond El Gouna. Instead, we are reaching out to specific governorates that might not otherwise have access to these films. We always say we are a platform that connects Egypt and the region with the rest of the world through film. Cinema on Wheels is our way of connecting El Gouna to the rest of the country.”

The initiative features three short films from the official selection of El Gouna Film Festival, representing diverse Egyptian and international cinematic perspectives:

• Disquiet | Directed by Mariam Abdelgaber | Egypt | Arabic | 15 minutes

• My Village Blamed Women for the End of Mankind | Directed by Jad Chahine | Egypt | 15 minutes

• Contact | Directed by Anna Belova | Czech Republic | English | 15 minutes (with Arabic subtitles)

The tour will begin on October 23 at the Hurghada Cultural Palace, followed by the Jesuit and Frères Development Association in Minya on October 24, Qena Cultural Palace on October 25, Misr Public Library in Luxor on October 26, and Misr Public Library in Aswan on October 27.

Filmmaker Maysoon El-Masry, deputy director of the Cinema Project at Jesuit Cairo, stated that the initiative aligns with the vision and mission of the Al-Nahda Association. Since its inception, the association has worked to provide access to film education and culture in the governorates of Upper Egypt and in regions that are culturally and artistically marginalized. She noted that Al-Nahda was among the first civil society organizations to establish film clubs, facilitate public discussions, and share its cinematic expertise with young people in Upper Egypt.

Cinema on Wheels will conclude with a special event at Studio Nassibian Theatre, Jesuit Cairo, at the end of October, bringing together the initiative's partners and participants. The closing event will highlight how the festival experience can extend beyond screening venues, continuing through the conversations and exchanges that films inspire among audiences.

 ABOUT EL GOUNA FILM FESTIVAL
El Gouna Film Festival is one of the leading festivals in the Middle East and North Africa. It aims to present a diverse selection of films from around the world, with a particular focus on Arab cinema, to an engaged and knowledgeable audience. The festival seeks to foster cultural exchange through the art of filmmaking, connecting regional filmmakers with their international counterparts in a spirit of collaboration and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives to promote and support the growth of the industry in the region, providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and discover new voices and talents that enrich the world of cinema.

About Sawiris Foundation

Established in 2001 with funding from the Sawiris family, Sawiris Foundation is one of Egypt's pioneering grantmaking development foundations. The Foundation supports innovative and sustainable solutions to development challenges, with a focus on reducing multidimensional poverty and empowering changemakers.

Guided by an evidence-based approach and a commitment to measuring impact, the Foundation implements programmes across education, economic and social empowerment, as well as arts and culture. It works in partnership with government entities, the private sector, civil society organizations, and international partners, with particular attention to underserved communities.