El Gouna, 8 September 2025 – El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is proud to announce an exclusive new collaboration with the Casting Society of America (CSA) and the Casting Directors’ Guild UK (CDG), in partnership with MedFest Egypt, to host a series of specialized workshops and a panel discussion dedicated to the art and impact of casting. These events will take place during the Festival’s 8th edition, from October 16 to 24, 2025.

This groundbreaking initiative is designed to empower up-and-coming professional actors in Egypt and the region, offering them unprecedented access to internationally acclaimed casting directors, while also providing Egyptian filmmakers with insight into global casting practices.

Workshop 1: The Power of Self-Taping

Led by Cassandra Han, CSA

With the industry’s shift toward self-taping, actors face the dual challenge of meeting technical requirements while sustaining creativity. This workshop equips participants with practical tools to reclaim joy in the process, understand casting directors’ expectations, and deliver strong, authentic auditions.

About Cassandra Han: A European casting director known for bold international ensembles, Han most recently cast The Weight starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe. Her Italian casting credits include James Mangold’s Ford v Ferrari and Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life. She also works extensively in Germany across Netflix and Amazon projects, in addition to Samia (Tribeca 2024 Special Jury Mention). Han currently serves as the President of CSA’s Global Chapter.

Workshop 2: Practice Auditions and Feedback

Led by Sarah Trevis, CDG, CSA

In this hands-on session, participants will pre-tape an audition scene provided in advance and receive both group and individual feedback. The workshop also includes one-on-one consultations and a concluding Q&A session, turning self-taping into a tool of opportunity rather than limitation.

About Sarah Trevis: With over 25 years of experience, Trevis is a Casting Director, a life member of BAFTA, and the former VP of CSA Global (2019–2023). She has consulted for the UK’s leading drama school, LAMDA, and has worked with directors including Paul Thomas Anderson, Danny Boyle, Roger Michell, Stephen Hopkins, and Jerry Zucker.

Wellbeing in the Audition Room

In collaboration with MedFest Egypt, both workshops will spotlight the importance of mental health in the audition process. Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Nabil ElKot, who has over 30 years of medical experience and two decades as a psychological consultant for the film industry, will share strategies for safeguarding actors’ mental wellbeing while navigating the pressures of today’s audition culture.

Panel Discussion: The Art and Impact of Casting

Casting is more than filling roles—it defines a film’s voice, scope, and impact. This panel, designed for Egyptian filmmakers, will explore; best practices for working with casting directors, Engaging with international guilds such as SAG-AFTRA and British Equity, and understanding the distinctions between casting and talent representation.

The discussion will highlight how thoughtful casting ensures fair access, nurtures diverse talent pools, and ultimately elevates storytelling.

Amr Mansi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of El Gouna Film Festival, stated: “Hosting world-renowned casting directors at El Gouna Film Festival is a milestone in our mission to bridge Egyptian and regional talent with global expertise. By focusing on up-and-coming professional actors, we are proud to provide the Arab world’s rising talent with direct access to knowledge and tools that can enhance their careers and expand their opportunities internationally. Casting is at the heart of storytelling, and through these workshops and discussions, we aim to equip our talent with the skills and confidence to shine on the global stage.”

About El Gouna Film Festival

Founded in 2017, El Gouna Film Festival is one of the leading festivals in the MENA region. GFF aims to showcase a wide variety of films to a passionate and knowledgeable audience while fostering communication between cultures through the art of filmmaking. The festival strives to connect filmmakers from the region with their international counterparts in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange, while supporting emerging voices and advancing the industry through its CineGouna Platform.