As part of El Gouna Film Festival’s ongoing mission of showcasing powerful cinematic works from the region and the world, the 3^rd edition of GFF continues to screen a number of acclaimed and awarded feature films that were recognized at prestigious international festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Berlinale, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival. The process of selection is still in progress, and at this stage, it includes productions from Japan, South Korea, Germany, Afghanistan, Russia, Peru, Brazil, and Italy, among others.

“The Festival’s 3^rd edition proposes to showcase the acclaimed work of celebrated and influential filmmakers alongside some exciting and innovative films by emerging directors. The international films we are selecting this year promise to meet the Festival’s objective of presenting the best recent films from around the world. We aspire to formulate a program that would challenge, stimulate and entertain our local and regional audiences, public as well as professional,” said Intishal Al Timimi, director of El Gouna Film Festival.

“For the past two years, we have taken it upon ourselves to present the most important cinematic works of the year to the Festival’s audience of professionals, critics, journalists and film connoisseurs,” said Amir Ramses, artistic director of GFF. “To be in charge of the selection of films watched by a great number of experienced spectators throughout the festival is a major responsibility. In the 3^rd edition, we ensure that our films are chosen with the same amount of love and attention that we promise our audience year after year,” he added.

GFF is excited to reveal that the winner of the Palme d’Or at the 72^nd Cannes Film Festival, Parasite​,​ will be one of the highlights of the Festival’s program this year.​ ​Described by its highly acclaimed director, Bong Joon Ho, as “a comedy without clowns, a tragedy without villains,” the story brings together two contrasting families in a relationship of employment and dependence, which leads to unpredictable circumstances.

Another gem in the GFF 2019 lineup is Nora Fingscheidt’s System Crasher, winner of several awards, including the Silver Bear for Best Feature Film at the 69^th edition of the Berlinale. It follows the story of Benni, a nine-year-old girl who represents what child protection services call a "system crasher" as she bounces between foster homes that can’t handle her outbursts of violent rage.

The program also includes Bacurau, co-directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles. Set a few years into the future, Bacurau is a portrait of the Brazilian community as it struggles to defend itself from the dangers of uncontrolled modernization. The film premiered at the 72^nd Cannes Film Festival, where it was the joint winner of the Jury Prize.