EL GOUNA FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ESTEEMED JURIES FOR ITS 3 COMPETITIONS, EL GOUNA GREEN STAR, AND OTHER AWARDS.

El Gouna, December 12, 2023 — As the highly anticipated El Gouna Film Festival approaches, the festival proudly reveals the accomplished members of the Feature Narrative, Feature Documentary & Short Film Competition Jury. Films in the festival’s program will also compete for El Gouna Green Star, Cinema for Humanity Award, the FIPRESCIand NETPAC Awards. This distinguished lineup of jurors brings a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to evaluate the outstanding entries in these categories.

Despite the challenges, GFF remains steadfast in its commitment to championing outstanding cinematic works. The jurors in various categories  are poised to embark on the formidable task of evaluating exceptional films.

FEATURE NARRATIVE COMPETITION

1.  Anup Singh

Anup Singh,  a cinema scholar, author and a prominent figure in alternative Indian cinema based in Geneva, has crafted a distinctive and deliberate directorial career, illuminating the cinematic landscape. 

2.  Saba Mubarak

Jordanian luminary, with 60 works across film, TV, and theater, delivers impactful performances capturing the diverse experiences of Arab women.

3.  Yasmine Al-Massri
Internationally acclaimed actress, artiste and human rights activist, born in Lebanon to a Palestinian father and an Egyptian mother. Based in the US , Al-Massri, challenges stereotypes and champions underrepresented stories.

4.  Manal Issa

Acclaimed French-Lebanese actress, recognized for her award-winning performances, seamlessly merges her multifaceted talents as a screenwriter and star, enriching the cinematic landscape.

5.  Omar El Zohairy
Acclaimed filmmaker, from Egypt, known for his distinctive films that seamlessly blend realism and surrealism, as well as their sharp social commentary.

FEATURE DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION AND EL GOUNA GREEN STAR

1.  Catherine Dussart

Renowned Producer, celebrated for quality storytelling and cinematic excellence, has overseen the

production of nearly 100 films across more than 15 countries.

2.  Jehane Noujaim

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker known for unraveling complex narratives  and compelling storytelling that have enriched the documentary landscape

3.  Ibrahim Shaddad

A pivotal figure in Sudanese cinema, known for addressing social issues through impactful films. It is worth mentioning that his films:  Hunting Party, The Camel, and The Rope will be screened  as part of GFF2023’s Tribute to the Sudanese Film Group, of which he is a founding member.

4.  Sherief Elkatsha

Award winning US born Egyptian filmmaker known as a director with a diverse career and his captivating documentaries.

5.  Lamia Chraibi

A passionate producer she   is celebrated for championing free, independent, and bold cinema, and for nurturing directors' creative journeys with unwavering dedication.

SHORT FILM COMPETITION JURY

1.  Lucy Kerr

Renowned filmmaker exploring the intersection of image-making and performance.

2.  Mariam Al Ferjani

Acclaimed Tunisian actress known for her powerful performances.

3.  Céline Roustan

Dedicated curator and champion of short films, contributing significantly to the industry.

4.  Razane Jammal

Compelling British-Lebanese actress who has enthralled audiences at home and abroad with her stellar performances.

5.  Wassim Geagea

Celebrated Lebanese filmmaker with a distinctive narrative approach and impactful, true-to-life storytelling.

The FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) Jury, tasked with recognizing exceptional cinema, from among the makers of debut films from either Africa, Asia, or South America, includes film critic Ola Salwa, a Polish journalist and film critic, prominent member of the European Film Academy; South African film critic Stephen Aspeling, known for his show Talking Movies; Egyptian journalist and film critic Zein Alabedin Khairy completes this discerning panel of film critics.

The NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Jury, dedicated to Asian cinema, features Shubhra Gupta, Leading Indian film critic with over 20 years of experience, shapes cinematic discourse through her column at The Indian Express; Ingrid Lill Høgtun, an accomplished Norwegian Producer who has an impressive and diverse portfolio of films from Asia, the Arab world and Europe and Dr. Malaak Swed, a scriptwriter, script doctor, anthropologist, and TV host, serves as the President of NGO SARO, an organization devoted to bringing social change through the power of cinema, drama, and the arts.

Intishal Al Timimi, Director of the El Gouna Film Festival, expressed his sincere gratitude to the esteemed jurors, stating, "We are grateful for the support of these accomplished personalities from the world of cinema. Their presence and dedication ensure that the festival remains a vital platform for voices that need to be heard. We wish them a productive and inspiring experience at the festival."

Additionally, El Gouna Film Festival would like to mention that the audiences themselves will serve as the jury for the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award. Instituted since GFF’s  inaugural edition in 2017, this prestigious award is bestowed to a film that exemplifies a humanitarian theme. Feature-length films across all sections have been nominated for this people’s choice award.

The El Gouna Film Festival is set to showcase a diverse selection of films, celebrating the artistry and storytelling prowess of filmmakers from around the globe. Stay tuned for more updates on this cinematic experience.

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 CineGouna Platform, an industry-oriented event created to empower Egyptian and Arab filmmakers and help them find artistic and financial support. CineGouna Platform presents the CineGouna Bridge program that provides opportunities for sharing and learning and the CineGouna SpringBoard, a project development and co-production lab.  New this year is the CineGouna Market, including the Short Film Lounge, a place creating a link between emerging and established filmmakers.