‏ElGouna, September 10, 2025 – El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is pleased to officially announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ESLSCA University Egypt, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at empowering young talent.

The partnership will run for three years and is designed to create tangible opportunities for Egyptian youth by integrating education with one of the region’s premier cultural events.

The agreement, signed by Mr. Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival, and Eng. Kareem El-Hennawi, CEO and Secretary General of ESLSCA University Egypt, has established a joint framework for collaboration over the next three years. The signing took place under the guidance of Dr. Mervat Abo Oaf, Dean of the Visual Arts and Creativity Management School at ESLSCA University, and Academic Advisor of El Gouna Film Festival, who has been instrumental in strengthening the festival’s educational and cultural initiatives.

Under the partnership, ESLSCA and GFF will launch several joint initiatives, including three annual scholarships for CineGouna Emerge Program (one full and two partial scholarships to talented students across Egypt’s governorates), Internship opportunities for ESLSCA Students at El Gouna Film Festival, Festival access and engagement for students in Cinematic Studies Department at ESLSCA, and daily film reviews by students in the festival’s publications.

Mr. Amr Mansi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of El Gouna Film Festival, said, "This is a pivotal moment for both the El Gouna Film Festival and ESLSCA University. The festival is committed to nurturing young talent through GFF's CineGouna Emerge initiative, and this partnership takes that commitment to a new level. By collaborating with a leading academic institution like ESLSCA, we are not only providing scholarships but also creating a structured pathway for students to transition from the classroom to the professional world, ensuring that every young talent finds a space to grow, connect, and thrive."

Eng. Kareem El-Hennawi CEO and Secretary General added, “At ESLSCA, we believe that education must go beyond classrooms to provide students with practical experiences that shape their future careers. Our partnership with El Gouna Film Festival connects our students with leading figures in cinema and culture, equipping them not only with knowledge but also with opportunities to leave a genuine mark on the creative industries.”

The partnership between ESLSCA and the El Gouna Film Festival is built on a shared vision to nurture the next generation of creatives in Egypt. As part of this collaboration, ESLSCA will become the academic partner for a new track under the festival's "CineGouna Emerge" umbrella program. This initiative unites all efforts to support young and emerging talent. This new track will focus on providing educational and professional opportunities, including scholarships, internships, and accreditation for students, directly linking ESLSCA's academic excellence with GFF's impactful industry platform.

About El Gouna Film Festival

El Gouna Film Festival is one of the leading festivals in the Middle East and North Africa. It aims to present a diverse selection of films from around the world, with a particular focus on Arab cinema, to an audience that is engaged and knowledgeable. The festival seeks to foster cultural exchange through the art of filmmaking, connecting regional filmmakers with their international counterparts in a spirit of collaboration and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives to promote and support the growth of the industry in the region, providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and discover new voices and talents that enrich the cinematic world.

About ESLSCA University Egypt

ESLSCA University Egypt is a leading educational institution and the first European branch of a foreign university in Egypt. Committed to delivering a transformative educational experience, the university prioritizes excellence, impact, and sustainability. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, ESLSCA University empowers students to become future leaders and change agents in their respective fields.