ACCREDITATION FOR THE 7TH EDITION IS NOW OPEN
El Gouna, Egypt – October 25, 2025
The 8th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) came to a spectacular close on October 24, 2025, with a wonderful closing ceremony that saw the announcement of the awards for this year’s exceptional selection of films. The Golden, Silver, and Bronze Stars, along with the special Cinema for Humanity and Green Star awards, were presented to the deserving winners, marking the culmination of nine days of powerful storytelling, industry exchange, and cultural celebration on the Red Sea.
Opening Ceremony and Attendance
The closing evening began with a celebratory atmosphere at El Gouna’s main plaza, hosted by TV presenter Nardine Farag, and opened with the performance of the Egyptian national anthem.
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of industry figures and public personalities, including Eng. Naguib Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna Film Festival and Chairman of Orascom Investment Holding; Eng. Samih Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna and Chairman of the Festival; Actress Yousra, Member of the Festival’s International Advisory Board; Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna and General Manager of Orascom Development Egypt; Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and CEO of the Festival; Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director; and Intishal Al-Tamimi, former Festival Director and member of the International Advisory board.
The evening celebrated a year of creative achievement with the announcement of awards across all competition categories: Feature Narrative, Feature Documentary, Short Film, Cinema for Humanity, and the El Gouna Green Star.
In his remarks, Eng. Samih Sawiris humorously began by saying: “The family decided that I would speak in English and Naguib in Arabic because his English isn’t that good.”
He added, smiling: “The younger generation of our family told me to make sure you laugh at least two or three times before I leave the stage—so you’d better start laughing quickly, or I’ll stay all night.”
Sawiris continued: “I’m very proud and grateful that I’ve been able to follow this festival over the years without having to do anything but enjoy it. For the first time, I’d like to extend my appreciation to Amr Mansi and his team. I think he will value this thanks because he knows me well—and knows I’m quite stingy with compliments.”
He concluded: “Next year, we hope to see more people who might actually need my English, as I feel we have already succeeded in attracting everyone who should be here from Egypt and abroad. Our goal is for this festival to truly become international.”
Following him, Amr Mansi, Co-founder & Executive director of GFF took the stage, stating:“El Gouna Film Festival wouldn’t exist without you—the filmmakers, jury members, and every talent who came here to present a project or build connections. You are the real driving force of this festival. From day one, when we brought the festival back three years ago, we made it clear that our focus would be on the industry, the industry, and the industry.”
He continued:“We also said that our ‘Cinema for Humanity’ slogan should be more than just words—it should be action. This year, actress Cate Blanchett came to the festival without remuneration, simply because she believes in its humanitarian vision. That alone confirms we’re on the right path.”
Mansi further noted: “This year, we’ve seen record growth. Last year we received 5,500 accreditation requests; this year that number reached 7,500. Ticket sales rose from 20,000 to 33,000. What was once called an elitist festival has now become a festival for everyone.”
He concluded by thanking the team: “To every person on the El Gouna Film Festival team and every worker in this city—your dedication made this edition such a success. I believe we have now built a strong foundation for an internationally recognized festival that will only grow stronger.”
Later, Eng. Naguib Sawiris delivered his speech, beginning with a light-hearted response to his brother: “I’ll speak in English to prove that my English is actually good.”
He continued: “For me, cinema is an addiction. There isn’t a single day that passes without watching a film. When I do, I live inside it, just as if I were reading a book. Cinema makes you laugh and cry—it’s one of humanity’s most powerful tools.”
He emphasized:“From the very first edition, our motto has been Cinema for Humanity. I’d like to draw your attention to the two films that will receive this award tonight—they truly embody the meaning of humanity. A few days ago, I watched a film called Caramel on Netflix—I recommend it to you.”
Sawiris also noted: “We live in a crazy world today, and we must not ignore the suffering of people—those killed in Sudan, families in Ukraine facing winter without warmth, and the children of Gaza. Cinema’s role is to shed light on such human tragedies.”
At the end of his speech, Naguib Sawiris presented a Special Recognition Award to Intishal Al-Tamimi, former festival director and member of the international advisory board member in appreciation of his significant contribution to the Festival’s legacy.
CINEMA FOR HUMANITY AUDIENCE AWARD
CINEMA FOR HUMANITY AUDIENCE AWARD
El Gouna Film Festival’s Cinema for Humanity Award is dedicated to recognizing films that exemplify humanitarian themes. Feature-length films from the Narrative and Documentary Competitions and the Official Selection - Out of Competition program were nominated for this award. The winning film will receive a trophy and a cash prize of US $20,000.
The GFF 2025 Cinema for Humanity Audience Award was won ex aequo by
PUT YOUR SOUL ON YOUR HAND AND WALK
France, Palestine, Iran
Director: Sepideh Farsi
Producer: Javad Djavahery
An intimate portrait of life under siege in Gaza, told through video calls with photojournalist Fatma Hassona, killed one day after the film’s Cannes selection.
and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Egypt
Director: Sarah Goher
Producer: Ahmed El Desouky, Ahmed Abbas, Ahmed Badawy, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner
First Feature.
The Festival's Opening Film. In her debut feature, Sarah Goher presents a poignant drama of Cairo’s class divide, where a wealthy child’s birthday collides with a working girl’s mistaken hopes that she was invited.
EL GOUNA GREEN STAR
El Gouna Green Star Jury, that was tasked with the responsibility to award the prize to the film that best addresses environmental issues, featured three committed advocates for social and environmental causes: May Elghety, Actress, Activist, Egypt; Niklas Engstrøm, Artistic Director, CPH:DOX, Denmark; and Jana Wehbe, Producer, Cultural Advocate, Lebanon.
El Gouna Green Star Award (Trophy & US $ 10,000)
SEEDS
United States
Director: Brittany Shyne |
Producers: Danielle Varga, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, Brittany Shyne
Jury Motivation
A film that addresses sustainability in its many facets and offers a meditation on survival, preserving land and agriculture in a masterfully cinematic language that immerses us in the life and environment of its protagonists
SHORT FILMS COMPETITION (SFC)
The Short Films Competition Jury comprised five international talents: Mahdi Fleifel, Film Director, Denmark-Palestine (President); Suad Bushnaq, Music Composer, Jordan-Canada; Juliette Canon, Programmer, Critics’ Week - Cannes, France; Mostafa El Kashef, Cinematographer and Film Producer, Egypt; and Andrea Gatopoulos, Film Director, Italy.
The members of the SFC Jury announced the awards and revealed their motivations for the winning films
El Gouna Golden Star Award for Best Short Film (Trophy and US $15,000)
AGAPITO
Philippines
Director: Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero
Producers: Jon Galvez, Carlos Ortiz, Mick Quito
Jury Motivation
This film took us into a world far from our own and made it feel beloved and close. With quiet grace, it found the extraordinary, in the everyday. Playful at times, even bursting into song, it always stayed tender and true. With such simplicity and care, the filmmakers created something magical, human, and deeply moving.
El Gouna Silver Star Short Film (Trophy and US $7,500)
LOYNES
Belgium, France, United Kingdom, North Macedonia, co-production
Director: Dorian Jespers
Producers: Clyde Gates, Dorian Jespers, Jules Reinartz
Jury Motivation
“In the highly formatted space of short films, you rarely meet a mysterious specimen - one that has many doors, and few keys. For all the questions that it raised in us while making us laugh and wonder, and also for the marvel of its craft, the Silver Star goes to Loynes by Dorian Jespers!”
El Gouna Bronze Star for Short Film (Trophy and US $4,000)
WATER GIRL (FILLE DE L'EAU)
France, Netherlands, Portugal
Director: Sandra Desmazières
Producers: Jérôme Barthélemy, Daniel Sauvage, Olivier Catherin, Richard Valk, Vanessa Ventura, Nuno Amorim
Jury Motivation
Poetic meditation on aging and a celebration of a life deeply felt, the film flows between time and water, revealing the profound bond between body and landscape. Through its shifting textures, resonant sounds, and ever-changing environments, it traces the subtle imprint of memory and emotion. With grace and melancholy, the film becomes an ode to loss, resilience, and the quiet beauty of transformation—offering a deeply immersive reflection on what it means to live, to remember, and to let go.
El Gouna Star for the Best Arab Short Film that includes a Trophy and US $5,000 went to
THE DEVIL AND THE BICYCLE LE DIABLE ET LA BICYCLETTE
France, Lebanon
Director: Sharon Hakim
Producer: Astrig Chandèze-Avakian
Jury Motivation
The jury unanimously awards the Best Arab Short Film Award to this film for its bold, nuanced, and expertly crafted storytelling. The director handles a sensitive subject with poise, wit, and depth, blending charm and humour with emotional and philosophical complexity. The lead actress delivers a compelling performance, while the use of religious hymns and symbols over sensual scenes creates a layered tension, elevating the exploration of faith and desire. With a sharp screenplay, seamless editing, and a balanced approach to a delicate theme, the film stands out for its artistic courage, originality, and profound humanity. The Best Arab Short Film Award goes to The Devil and the Bicycle by Sharon Hakim!
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION (FDC)
The Feature Documentary Competition Jury is comprised of five celebrated professionals: Nicolas Philibert, Filmmaker, France (President); Hala Galal, Writer, Director, Producer, Egypt; Sona Karapoghosyan, Film Critic, Curator, Armenia; Asmae El Moudir, Writer, Director, Producer, Morocco; and Mohamed Saïd Ouma, Executive Director, Documentary Africa, Reunion Island.
El Gouna Golden Star for Best Feature Documentary, that includes, a Trophy and US $30,000 was awarded to
ALWAYS
United States, France, China, Taiwan
Director: Deming Chen | Producer: Hansen Lin
Jury Motivation
A director with a unique perspective, a beautiful poetic film about dreams, imagination and loneliness in one’s childhood… The Golden Star for Documentary film of the 8th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival goes to Always, directed by Mr Deming Chen.
El Gouna Silver Star for Documentary film ( Trophy and US $15,000)
LIFE AFTER SIHAM | LA VIE APRÈS SIHAM
France, Egypt
Director: Namir Abdel Messeeh
Producer(s): Namir Abdel Messeeh, Camille Laemle
Jury Motivation
Telling one's family story is never easy. In this film, Namir Abdel Messeeh manages to do so with great delicacy, modesty, tenderness and humor. He shows us that the camera can become a tool that helps to build bonds between generations, and that cinema can both revive the memory of the departed and bring the living closer together, beyond cultures, distances and borders.
El Gouna Bronze Star for Documentary Film (Trophy and US $7,500)
ORWELL: 2+2=5
United States, France
Director: Raoul Peck
Producer(s): Alex Gibney, Raoul Peck, George Chignell, Nick Shumaker
Jury Motivation
In this pamphlet against systemic violences, Raoul Peck connects the dots weaving together reflections and notes on freedom, truth, ignorance and manipulation, from Georges Orwell diaries. It is a frontal, uncompromising film, a lucid and necessary reminder of the times we are living in.
El Gouna Star for the Best Arab Documentary Film (Trophy and US $10,000)
LIFE AFTER SIHAM | LA VIE APRÈS SIHAM
France, Egypt
Director: Namir Abdel Messeeh
Producer(s): Namir Abdel Messeeh, Camille Laemle
For using cinema to tell the story of a family, generations and an entire nation, to fulfil the unfulfillable gap left after the loss of a beloved one and somehow succeeding to do so, this family portrait touched us by its complexity, sincerity and devotion, the El Gouna Star for the Best Arab Documentary film goes to Life After Siham, by Namir Abdel Messeeh
HOW TO BUILD A LIBRARY
Kenya, United States
Directors & Producers: Maia Lekow, Christopher King
Jury Motivation
From Nairobi, this film reminds us that in Africa and elsewhere, restoring a library is an act of resistance against erasing. At the same time, it offers us a profound reflection on how a nation can reclaim its history. In an age when globalization is reshaping our collective memory, it quietly but powerfully affirms that preserving knowledge is preserving our humanity. This is why we have decided to give a Special Mention to the film How to Build a Library, by Maia Lekow and Christopher King.
FEATURE NARRATIVE COMPETITION (FNC)
El Gouna Golden Star for Best Narrative Film (Trophy and US $50,000)
A POET | UN POETA
Colombia, Germany, Sweden
Director: Simón Mesa Soto
Producer(s): Simón Mesa Soto, Juan Sarmiento G., Manuel Ruiz Montealegre
Jury Motivation
The poignant odyssey of a man who dreams of poetry but is held to the ground and to life by a force of gravity and by adverse circumstances is rendered in an observational, semi-documentary form realized in a dancing symbiosis with the extraordinary protagonist Ubeimar Rios. Its very dark and finely calibrated hilarity does not prevent the film from having a politically aware gaze, sustained by an empathy that is never condescending.
El Gouna Silver Star for Narrative Film (Trophy and US $25,000)
LUCKY LU
Canada, United States
Director: Lloyd Lee Choi
Producer(s): Destin Daniel Cretton, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Asher Goldstein, Tony Yang, Ron Najor, Jeyun Munford
Jury Motivation
The effort to find a life worth living, despite endless adversity, takes shape in the urban wanderings of the protagonist, magnificently portrayed by Chang Chen, who struggles between a miserably paid job and an ill-advised idea to keep bad luck at bay. The film thus transcends in the silhouette of an urban symphony and pleads for universal human dignity.
El Gouna Bronze Star for Narrative Film (Trophy and US $15,000)
THE SETTLEMENT | AL MOSTA'MARA
Egypt, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Director: Mohamed Rashad
Producer(s): Hala Lotfy, Etienne De Ricaud, Kesmat Elsayed
Jury Motivation
A strong work, devoid of any aesthetic embellishment, that focuses its attention on what remains of the Egyptian working class, set in a factory reduced to its bare minimum. Destiny and social predetermination intertwine in a clear and severe gaze that evokes Italian neorealist cinema.
El Gouna Star for the Best Arab Narrative Film (Trophy and US $20,000)
WHERE THE WIND COMES FROM | WAYN YAKHUDUNA AL RIYH
Tunisia, France, Qatar
Director: Amel Guellaty
Producers: Asma Chiboub, Karim Aitouna, Chadi Abo
Jury Motivation
A film embodied in the magnificent and surprising Eya Bellagha and in the journey of a free and dreamlike road movie that chooses to embrace the genuine pleasure of storytelling and by doing so shape the dreams of a generation betrayed by the revolution and by a present that offers no escape. A free and passionate work.
El Gouna Star for the Best Actress (Trophy)
Léa Drucker
ADAM'S SAKE | L'INTÉRÊT D'ADAM
Belgium, France
Director: Laura Wandel
Producers:: Stéphane Lhoest, Delphine Tomson, Marie-Ange Luciani, Annemie Degryse, Jan De Clercq
Jury Motivation
An intense and complex performance torn from a camera that follows her obsessively, and in a tight dialogue with an institution – the hospital and its bureaucracy – that sometimes loses sight of the human beings entrusted to it. A masterful lesson in social and naturalist realism elevated by impeccable stylization that allows pain and anger to manifest themselves through minimal yet essential gestures.
El Gouna Star for the Best Actor (Trophy)
Ahmed Malek
MY FATHER'S SCENT | KOLUNIA
Egypt, Norway, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France
Director: Mohamed Siam
Producers: Mohamed Siam, Mohamed Hefzy
For his role – compressed within a resentful and multidimensional sentimental journey toward a father who is about to die – and from whom he wishes to be seen; probably for the last time, perhaps for the first time. A complex and layered role that the actor manages to bring to life by drawing on an emotional spectrum that shifts freely from a childlike sensitivity to that of an adult man who may be preparing to become the man his father never was.
The FNC Jury also gave a Special Jury Mention to
ROMERIA
Spain, Germany
Director: Carla Simón
Producers: María Zamora, Olimpia Pont Cháfer, Àngels Masclans
Jury Motivation
A search for origins that takes on the contours of a sensual and dreamlike ghost story. A film that confirms the great talent of the director and her unconventional gaze, and that promises to deliver even more surprising results in the future.
“BEHIND THE CAMERA” AWARDS
In addition to the main competition prizes, El Gouna Film Festival announced the second edition of the “Behind the Camera” Awards, presented on Thursday evening to honor creative professionals working behind the scenes and celebrate their contributions to the art of cinema.
The “Behind the Camera” initiative recognizes outstanding achievements in key technical and creative disciplines such as cinematography, editing, costume design, music composition, and production design—spotlighting the individuals who shape a film’s artistic vision and elevate its quality through craftsmanship and collaboration.
This year, the “Behind the Camera Creative Achievement Award” was presented to Director of Photography Dr. Tarek El Telmissany in recognition of his remarkable career and enduring impact on Egyptian and Arab cinema. The award was received on his behalf by Abdel Salam Moussa and Mostafa Fahmy.
The “Behind the Camera” Award for Recent Achievement—dedicated to outstanding work that has demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical expertise between last year’s and this year’s festival editions—was awarded to Heba Osman for Editing.
Closing Performance
The ceremony concluded with a musical performance by Ahmed Saad, who entertained the audience with a selection of his popular songs, including “Eh El Youm El Helw Da,” “Maksarat,” and a specially prepared rendition of “Khalik Hena” created exclusively for the El Gouna Film Festival closing night.
About El Gouna Film Festival
One of the leading festivals in the MENA region, GFF aims to showcase a wide variety of films for a passionate and knowledgeable audience, while fostering better communication between cultures through the art of filmmaking. Its goal is to connect filmmakers from the region with their international counterparts in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. The festival is committed to the discovery of new voices and strives to be a catalyst for the development of cinema in the Arab world.
Partners and Sponsors
El Gouna Film Festival 8ths edition is held in partnership with Orascom Developments and its destinations Tuban Islands and our host El Gouna, Official Broadcasting Partner Al Nahar, Official Art and Design Partner Cairo Design District CDD, Luxurious Automotive Partner BMW, Official Transportation Partner Abou Ghaly Motors, Official Telecom Partner Orange, Official Beverage Partner Pepsi, Official Banking Partner CIB, In collaboration with On the Run, Impact Partner Sawiris Foundation, Official Ticketing Partner Ticket Egypt, Official Partner Nespresso, Official Gelato Partner Dolato, Wellness Partner Limitless Naturals, Official Makeup Partner MAC, Official Furniture Partner Kenda, Official Carrier Egypt Air, In collaboration with Nescafe, Under the auspices of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture, Official Beauty Partner Mohammed Al Sagheer, Sustainability Partner Middle East Glass, Hospitality partner TLT operating through Villa Coconut, Plaza Designed By Aly Hossam Aly Design Studio and Lighting Design by Mostafa Fahmy Light Design, sound design by Sound of Egypt, and Organized By Ievents.