CineGouna Emerge Participants Arrived on the 25th of October to El Gouna Film Festival 

The El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) proudly welcomed the talented cohort of the CineGouna Emerge Program, who have arrived from across Egypt to participate in this year’s exciting lineup of events and screenings. These young and emerging filmmakers represent a diverse range of backgrounds, embodying the future of Egyptian cinema.

Upon their arrival, the participants were warmly received by Amr Mansy, Excutive Director and Co-founder of GFF, Marianne Khoury, GFF’s Artistic Director, and Hayat Aljowaily, Head of the CineGouna Emerge program, Hanan Dowidar, Country Director of Drosos Foundation, Anne Schouw, Deputy EU Ambassador to Egypt, and Laila Hosni, Excutive Director of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development—the partners on this initiative—were also present to welcome the participants and emphasize their commitment to nurturing young talent in the region.

“The CineGouna Emerge program is a celebration of diversity and vision,” said Marianne Khoury, GFF’s Artistic Director. “It offers a unique platform for young voices from all over Egypt to come together, share ideas, and make connections that will enrich not only their own lives but the world of cinema.”

The CineGouna Emerge initiative ensures that all participants receive full coverage of travel, accommodation, and accreditation expenses, giving them the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the festival’s dynamic atmosphere. Throughout the festival, they will have access to masterclasses, panels, workshops, screenings, as well networking events tailored just for them —vital spaces for them to connect with regional and international industry professionals.

“With the CineGouna Emerge program, we aim to provide participants with more than just skills,” said Hayat Aljowaily, Head of CineGouna Emerge. “We want to offer them a community of peers and mentors who can help them build sustainable careers, lifelong connections, and a sense of belonging in the regional film industry.”

"By empowering the next generation of filmmakers, we are helping to amplify voices that reflect the region’s complexity and diversity,” said Hanan Dowidar, Country Director of Drosos Foundation. “This initiative is an investment not only in creative talent but in the cultural dialogue that cinema fosters.”

“Film has the power to shift perspectives and inspire action,” said Laila Hosny, Excutive Director of Sawiris Foundation. “Through initiatives like CineGouna Emerge, we hope to encourage young filmmakers to bring stories to the screen that highlight social issues and resonate with audiences across borders.”

This year’s CineGouna Emerge program cohort showcases the diversity and talent shaping the future of Egypt’s film industry. With 149 participants—44.3% men and 55.7% women—the group draws from major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, as well as other governorates, including Beheira, Qena, Luxor, Minya, and Port Said. The cohort also reflects the country’s multicultural landscape, with 93.3% of participants being Egyptian and the remainder hailing from other countries including Sudan, Palestine, and Yemen. This vibrant mix of perspectives highlights the program’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, cross-cultural collaboration, and representation across all areas of filmmaking—from directing and editing to distribution, graphics, and animation.

“What makes this program so special is the sense of possibility it creates,” said Marianne Khoury. “These young filmmakers will leave this festival with new experiences, fresh ideas, and relationships that could shape their futures—and, in turn, the future of Arab cinema.”

As the festival progresses, the CineGouna Emerge program will undoubtedly contribute to the creative energy that defines El Gouna Film Festival. This vibrant group of filmmakers promises to inspire the audience and industry alike, sharing their stories, perspectives, and dreams.