El Gouna, Egypt – October 10, 2026

El Gouna Film Festival is pleased to announce that the French feature film All About Corrine directed by acclaimed filmmaker Marc Fitoussi, and starring Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Kiberlain, will open the 9th edition of the festival, running from October 15 to 23, 2026.

The film follows Corinne Maclou (Isabelle Huppert), a background actor whose optimism and aspirations stretch far beyond the margins of the frame. Confident that her long-awaited breakthrough is right around the corner.  Her ambitions are galvanized when she crosses paths with famous actress Sandrine Kiberlain. What begins as an accidental encounter evolves into an unlikely friendship, raising the question: will Corrine be welcomed into the respectable family of French cinema?

Discussing the inspiration behind his latest work, director Marc Fitoussi noted: “All About Corrine is a film about perseverance, and in that sense, it can resonate with everyone. Because we all have ambitions, goals a,nd positions we dream of achieving. And we’ve all experienced rejection or disappointment, whatever field we’re in."

Produced by Caroline Bonmarchand, with Fabrice Delville and Sophie Tepper as co-producers, the film brings together a powerhouse creative team behind and in front of the camera.

"We have purposefully selected a film with a plot directly related to the film industry, which will make it resonate with the audience in the opening, whether industry professionals or cinephiles,” says Andrew Mohsen, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival. “Isabelle Huppert also delivers one of her most sincere performances. It’s particularly fascinating to watch her portray an actress within the film, bringing an added layer of depth and authenticity to the role.”

Since its inception, GFF has remained steadfast in its mission to serve as a vital cultural bridge connecting filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles across the globe. By showcasing premier international cinema, the festival continues to champion film as an essential medium for cross-cultural dialogue and human connection.

Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival, highlighted how the choice of opening film reflects the spirit of the festival: “Opening with a film like All About Corinne really sets the tone for what we strive to do at El Gouna. Movies have a unique way of helping us understand someone else’s journey—their hopes, their struggles, and their drive to belong. As we kick off our ninth edition, we’re proud to welcome filmmakers and audiences to share these universal human stories together.”

All About Corinne will screen as the official opening film on October 16, 2026, marking the start of eight days of film screenings, industry panels, and special events. Accreditation and ticket details are available on the festival’s official platform.

About the 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.