EL GOUNA FILM FESTIVAL NAMES ANDREW MOHSEN AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

El Gouna - Egypt, April 2, 2026

El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is proud to announce the appointment of Andrew Mohsen as its new Artistic Director, effective today. Mohsen, who has been a vital part of the festival’s programming team, will now lead the artistic vision for the festival as it prepares for its upcoming 9th edition scheduled to take place in El Gouna from October 15 to 23, 2026.

The appointment marks a natural evolution for the festival, following the creative foundations laid by previous Artistic Directors. GFF would like to take this opportunity to express its appreciation to Marianne Khoury for her remarkable contributions during her three-year tenure as Artistic Director. Her dedication and vision have been crucial in enhancing the festival's offerings and solidifying its position as a vital cultural link between Arab and international film. 

"We are thrilled to see Andrew take on this leadership role," said Amr Mansi, Co-founder and Executive Director of GFF. "Since he joined us, Andrew has shown an incredible instinct for discovering powerful stories and a clear understanding of our festival’s identity. Promoting him to Artistic Director is a testament to our belief in his vision and our commitment to the future of Egyptian and international cinema."
Mohsen’s journey with GFF has been defined by rapid growth and commitment to cinematic excellence. Since joining the festival as a Senior Programmer in 2023, his impact was immediate. In 2024, he was promoted to Head of Programming, where he successfully curated diverse and impactful selections that resonated with both local and international audiences.

"I have followed El Gouna Film Festival’s journey since its inception—first as a critic and then as a professional within the industry," said Andrew Mohsen. "Today, I am honored to take on the role of Artistic Director at such a pivotal stage, as the festival approaches its 10th anniversary. My primary goal is to sustain the festival's success and expand its reach, ensuring GFF remains the preeminent bridge between Arab and international cinema."

A distinguished film critic and festival programmer, Mohsen’s career in cinema began in 2015 with critical writing, where his essays and reviews quickly established him as a significant voice in the industry. He transitioned into festival programming through the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), embarking on a path that would see him in key leadership roles. He has served as the Artistic Director for the Ismailia International Film Festival (2018), the Artistic Director for Aswan International Women Film Festival (2020 & 2021), and most notably, heading the artistic office at Cairo International Film Festival (2021).

His influence extends across the MENA region and beyond. Mohsen is the main curator for the European Film Festival in Riyadh, a consultant for the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, and the Egyptian delegate for the Film O’Clock Festival. His corporate experience includes his role as Content Manager for Arabia Pictures Entertainment in Saudi Arabia. Recognized for his discerning eye, he has been invited to serve on juries for prestigious international festivals, including CPH:DOX, the Tangier National Film Festival, and the Torino Film Lab.

With Mohsen as Artistic Director, GFF will continue to explore the transformative power of film, sparking conversations about our world through the lens of creative storytelling.

About El Gouna Film Festival

El Gouna Film Festival, founded in 2017, is 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, especially through its industry arm CineGouna Platform.