Starring Monica Bellucci in her Arab cinema debut, the film will compete in the feature narrative section of the 4^th edition of GFF

El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) remains a proud supporter of all forms of Arab cinema, and continues to reaffirm its mission of strengthening the diverse world of the Arab film industry in our region and beyond. For the past three editions, a number of CineGouna Platform (CGP) alumni have made their mark regionally and internationally, first winning acclaim and awards at prestigious international film festivals, then going on to succeed in the main competition of GFF. This year is no exception.

Following its world premiere in the Horizon section of the currently running 77^th Venice Film Festival, we are excited to announce that The Man Who Sold His Skin by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania will have its MENA premiere during the upcoming 4^th edition of GFF. This comes two years after its selection to compete among CineGouna SpringBoard’s projects in development during the 2^nd edition of GFF, where it was awarded US $10,000 from Beelink Productions. The film is written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania and stars Yahya Mahayni and Dea Liane. In addition, the feature narrative marks Monica Bellucci’s debut in Arab cinema. 

Festival director Intishal Al Timimi stated, “This film’s selection to have its world premiere at an important festival like Venice is what defines our core mission at GFF, and fills us with pride as we aim to empower and cherish Arab filmmakers. A genuine testimony to the great influence of the festival, and the important role the Platform plays in serving the industry. I applaud Kaouther on this exceptional cinematic piece and look forward to welcoming the film in our feature narrative competition this October.”

Described by Ben Hania as an allegory about one’s personal freedom in an inegalitarian system, the film tackles the broader meaning of real-world issues. It follows Sam Ali, a young sensitive and impulsive Syrian, who left his country for Lebanon to escape the war. To be able to travel to Europe and live with the love of his life, he accepts to have his back tattooed by one of the world’s most irascible contemporary artists. Turning his own body into a prestigious piece of art, Sam comes to realize that his decision might actually mean anything but freedom.

The Man Who Sold His Skin will compete in the feature narrative section of the 4^th edition of GFF, that has been rescheduled to take place from October 23 to 31, 2020 at the resort town of El Gouna. The activities and events organized by CineGouna Platform will run from October 25 to 30, 2020