El Gouna Film Festival celebrated the opening of its 9th Edition with theatrical performances, singing and much star power. The opening ceremony took place at the festival plaza tonight, October 15, 2026, in the presence of dignitaries, filmmakers and celebrities as well as national, regional and international journalists. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Walid Abdel-Azim El-Barqi, Governor of the Red Sea Governorate, Eng. Samih Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna and Chairman of El Gouna Film Festival Board of Directors, Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the festival, Andrew Mohsen, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival, Dr. Eskandar Tooma, Chairman of Orascom Development Egypt, Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna and Managing Director of Orascom Development Egypt, Yousra, member of the festival’s International Advisory Board, and Intishal Al Timimi, Former Festival Director and member of the International Advisory Board.  

The celebration started with a star-studded red carpet with scores of Egyptian, regional and international filmmakers, celebrities and strategic partners present to mark the opening of the 2026 edition. The ceremony’s host, Egyptian actress Yasmina El-Abd welcomed guests through a creative live performance, showing how films can make time stand still as one is immersed in the characters and events they are experiencing on the screen.

Film, she pointed out, is more than just an artist’s story, but a recollection of our collective stories. It is one way of archiving today’s stories to preserve them for generations to come. Films embody this year’s festival theme of Cinema for Humanity: Archiving Narratives.

This was followed by a celebratory live music and singing medley, which included Egyptian and international pieces of music and singing conducted by famed Egyptian music composer, Mohamed Nawara. The much-anticipated trailer of trailers for the festival competitions and jury members were debuted. This year, the festival boasts 77 films for audiences to enjoy in the categories of feature documentary, feature narrative, short films, official selection out of competition, and special representations giving them access to some of the region’s and world’s most anticipated films as well as some retrospective titles.

This year, El Gouna Film Festival honors veteran lighting technician Hassan El Sayed, with a career spanning four decades including credits including “The Thief of Joy”, “In Search of Sayed Marzouk” and “The Heaven of Devils”. He received this year’s Special Tribute award presented to him by cinematographer and actor Sameh Selim.

Egyptian Actress Mona Zaki received El Gouna Film Festival’s 2026 Career Achievement Award for her contribution to the industry throughout a career that spanned three decades during which she helped embody a variety of characters bringing the stories of countless Egyptian women to the screen. The award was presented by surprise guest, director Mohamed Shaker Khodeir.

This year’s jury members, led by UK director Joanna Hogg, were introduced to the audiences. The 9th edition’s jury consists of Khaled Hammad, Shawkat Amin Korki, Nahed El Sebai, Yeşim Ustaoğlu, Aboozar Amini, Julie Frères, Reta Guetg, Gladys JouJou, and Samir. Hogg addressed the attendees on behalf of her fellow members.

The ceremony closed with a final dance performance and a surprise performance by Egyptian-American soprano and singer, Shereen Ahmed, who sang in Arabic for the first time, performing the beloved Egyptian song Helwa ya Baladi (My Beautiful Country).

For his part, Eng. Samih Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna Film Festival, notes that he is proud of the platform the festival has become for filmmakers in Egypt, the region and the world, serving as a bridge connecting artists from around the world.

“I am thrilled to witness the festival reaching its 9th edition,” he says. “Now, I notice the maturity of the festival which makes me proud of contributing to Egypt's Art and Culture. I really look forward to seeing that in the coming years, the festival will be positioned among other International Film Festivals worldwide. Enjoy watching the films and attending the events of the festival.”

Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the El Gouna Film Festival, noted that the opening ceremony this year was designed to be all about the joy of films, their music and their creativity.

“This year we wanted to focus our opening ceremony on the tremendous amount of artistic skill embodied in our filmmakers, young actors, musicians and dancers,” says Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival. “We also wanted to celebrate the contributions of Egyptian artists Mona Zaki and Hassan El Sayed to bringing stories from this country and this part of the world to international audiences. Their work is a bridge connecting the long history of this industry to the future generations, many of whom are attending this festival this year and will, one day be honored on this stage for their contribution to future filmmaking in the region and the world.”

Andrew Mohsen, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival, says that while the opening ceremony marks another chapter in the journey to sharing the artistic vision of filmmakers and uniting us through stories of our shared humanity.

“As we mark the start of another edition of our festival, we are enthusiastic to bring a collection of some of the best international film titles to our attendees especially those that generate thought provoking conversations about our collective stories as human beings,” says Andrew Mohsen, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival. “Our theme this year is Cinema for Humanity: Archiving Narratives because there is an increased awareness that today’s stories serve as more than just an opportunity for us to share our communal experiences. They are a way for us to archive our today and preserve them in film for future generations.”

Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna Red Sea and Managing Director of Orascom Development Egypt, stated, “Over the years, El Gouna Film Festival has become more than an annual event; it has become part of El Gouna Red Sea’s own story. With every edition, cinema brings people, cultures, and perspectives together, creating connections that transcend borders. We are proud to see how the festival has become an integral part of its identity.”

He added: “As we welcome its ninth edition, our commitment goes beyond hosting a festival. It is about creating a home for creativity, empowering local, regional and international

 talent, and giving their stories a platform to reach the world. We believe culture gives a place its soul, and that investing in cinema today helps build a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”

More than just an opportunity for artistic collaboration, El Gouna Film Festival is an example of the role the business community plays in the growth of the film, arts and culture sector. The 9th edition of the festival is in partnership with Orascom Development Egypt, Najan El Gouna, and our host El Gouna Red Sea; Al Nahar, the Official Broadcast Partner; BMW, Luxurious Automotive Partner; Aboughali Motors & London Cab, Official Transportation Partner; Pepsi, Official Beverage Partner;  Orange, Official Telecom Partner; Emirates NBD, Official Banking Partner; Nespresso, Exclusive Partner; L’Oreal Professional, Official Hair Professional Partner; Armani Beauty, Official Beauty Sponsor; Nile Products / D-Store, Official Fashion Partner; EgyptAir, Official Carrier; Thndr, Official Investment Partner; On the Run, Official Partner; Sawiris Foundation, Impact and Accessibility Partner; Limitless Naturals, Official Wellness Sponsor; Nestlé / Nescafé, Official Partner; Ticket Egypt, Official Ticketing Partner; ESLSCA, Official Educational Partner; Kenda, Official Furniture Partner; TLT, Official Hospitality Partner; Sound of Egypt, Official Audio Partner; Doritos, Official Food Partner; This is Egypt, Under the auspices of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture; and Organized by ievents.