Eight Dynamic Films, Each a Unique Expression of Egyptian Talent

CineGouna, the industry platform of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF), is thrilled to reveal the projects selected for the inaugural edition of CineGouna Shorts, a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate the short film landscape in Egypt. As part of the 7th GFF, running from October 24 to November 1, CineGouna Shorts will debut from October 25 to 31, showcasing powerful stories embodying the diversity of Egyptian voices.

This year's spotlight is on the program's highly anticipated production awards, sponsored by O West—Orascom Development's fully integrated town in west Cairo. With a massive prize pool of EGP 2,250,000, one of the Arab region's most significant for short films, the awards will be distributed among three standout projects, underscoring the prestige and importance of the awards: EGP 1,000,000 for first place, EGP 750,000 for second, and EGP 500,000 for third.

From a pool of over 230 submissions, a panel of industry veterans selected eight distinctive short films currently in production. The chosen projects reflect a spectrum of voices from seasoned filmmakers and emerging talents. These filmmakers will pitch their work to a prestigious jury alongside a network of producers, distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers. Beyond the pitch, CineGouna Shorts also provides mentorship sessions and strategic meetings to develop further and fund each project, ensuring they reach their highest potential.

The CineGouna Shorts Awards jury consists of Egyptian director and Producer Sherif El Bendary, Palestinian producer and director, May Odeh, and Egyptian director Sameh Alaa.

Amr Mansi, Co-founder, and Executive Director of the El Gouna Film Festival expressed his enthusiasm: "It's fascinating to see our newest initiative take off with such strong, original submissions. GFF is unwavering in its commitment to championing the Egyptian film industry by creating platforms that nurture and amplify local talent."

Mariam Naoum, Head of CineGouna Shorts, added: "Short films have always been a goldmine for fresh talent and authentic storytelling, acting as ambassadors for Egyptian cinema in international film festivals. This year's selection is a testament to Egypt's filmmaking community's creativity and raw passion."

Tamer Dewidar, CEO of O West, Makadi Heights, and Byoum, added: "Since last year, we've been committed to supporting the CineGouna platform and nurturing Egypt's arts and culture scene. Watching these film projects flourish reaffirms our belief that investing in cinema isn't just about entertainment but fueling a creative revolution."

The Selected Projects for CineGouna Shorts 2024 are:

The Bar Girl (Director: Yasser Naeim, Producer: Doaa Saber)

Dead Tired (Director: Beshoy Youssef, Producer: Ramy El Gabry)

In Such Moments, We Cry (Director: Ahmed Sobhy, Producer: Marwa Tammam)

The Last Performance (Director: Abanoub Nabil, Producer: Ruba Atiyeh)

The Last Request (Director: Hozifa Abdelhalim, Producer: Noura Abd Elrahman)

Lemon Trees (Director: Mariam Nasser, Producer: Mohamed Gaber)

A Little 'Rosy' Journey (Director: Ahmed El-Hawarey, Producer: Hala Lotfy)

Yellow (Director: Sherouk Helal, Producer: Ahmed Elshebiny)

About El Gouna Film Festival

One of the leading festivals in the MENA region, GFF aims to showcase a wide variety of films from around the world, with emphasis on Arab cinema, for a passionate and knowledgeable audience, while fostering better communication between cultures through the art of filmmaking. The festival’s goal is to connect filmmakers from the region with their international counterparts in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. Moreover, it aims to promote and support the industry’s growth in the region and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work in addition to discovering new voices and talents.

About O West:

O West, the fully integrated town by Orascom Development in west Cairo, is located on an area of 4.2 Mn m2 with a one-of-a-kind urban design that harmoniously combines residential buildings with landscapes and green areas. The town is divided into different neighborhoods, places for social events, in addition to vital facilities and amenities. O West includes 14,000 residential units, a commercial area, administrative offices that aim to support entrepreneurship “O Business District”, a health complex, and 4 major international schools,. O West Club is considered to be one of the biggest clubs in west Cairo, located on an area of 15.3 K m2. O West is also a smart town, with a smart roads network connecting the entire town.

About Orascom Development Holding:   

Orascom Development Holding is a leading international developer specializing in vibrant, integrated communities in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. For more than 35 years, Orascom Development has been a pioneer in creating destinations where people are inspired to live, work, and play with passion and purpose.  

From El Gouna’s stunning Egyptian coastal town by the Red Sea to Andermatt Swiss Alps’ breath-taking, year-round mountain destination, each master-planned community is a testament to Orascom Development's commitment to place-making at its finest. The integrated towns harmoniously combine residential areas with private villas and apartments, hotels, and award-winning leisure and commercial amenities – including golf courses, marinas, sports facilities, retail shops and restaurants.  

Orascom Development owns a land bank of more than 100 million square meters with approximately 40% under development or developed into thriving communities in Egypt (El Gouna, Makadi Heights, O West, Taba Heights, and Byoum), in the GCC (The Cove in the UAE and Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah in Oman), and in Europe (Andermatt Swiss Alps in Switzerland, Luštica Bay in Montenegro and West Carclaze Garden Village in the UK). Orascom Development’s hospitality portfolio includes 33 premium and luxury hotels with more than 7,000 rooms across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. ODH shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.