For the 5th year, El Gouna Film Festival continues to celebrate its film alumni as they score more accolades and recognition worldwide.This year, 11 GFF alumni were selected to represent their countries for the Best International Film category of the 94th Academy Awards. The shortlist of 15 finalists is scheduled to be announced on December 21, 2021. The final five nominees are scheduled to be announced on February 8, 2022.

Selected to represent Egypt is Ayten Amin’s Souad, which was part of CineGouna SpringBoard’s films in post-production selection during the 2nd edition of GFF. Another Arab representation for Morocco is Nabil Ayouch’s Casablanca Beats, which was part of GFF’s 5th Feature Narrative Competition and Costa Brava, Lebanon by Monia Akl was selected to represent Lebanon.

Also from GFF’s 5th Feature Narrative Competition and selected to represent Belgium is Laura Wandel’s Playground. Maya Vanderbeque received El Gouna Star for Best Actress, for her role in the film. White Building by Kavich Neang to represent Cambodia, Nathalie Álvarez Mesén’s Clara Sola to represent Costa Rica, Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World to represent Norway and Compartment No. 6 by Juho Kuosmanen to represent Finland.

From GFF’s 5th Official Selection out of Competition, Unclenching the Fists by Kira Kovalenko is selected to represent Russia, I’m Your Man by Maria Schrader to represent Germany, and Jonas Poher Ramussen’s Flee to represent Denmark.

Last but not least, Oasis by Ivan Ikić is selected to represent Serbia. The film was part of the Feature Narrative Competition of the 4th edition of GFF, where it received a Special Jury Mention.