El Gouna Film Festival Focuses on Discovery and New Talent

WHO:

Variety - Amr Mansi is the co-founder and executive director of the El Gouna Film Festival.

Variety - Andrew Mohsen is the artistic director of the El Gouna Film Festival.

WHAT:

Variety - The festival features major international titles, including Cannes prize winners “All of a Sudden” and “Ben’imana.”

Deadline - The 9th El Gouna Film Festival is taking place, marking the start of the MENA fall film festival season.

Deadline - The festival opened with a red-carpet gala screening of the drama "All About Corinne," directed by Marc Fitoussi and starring Isabelle Huppert.

WHERE:

Deadline - The El Gouna Film Festival is held in El Gouna, a resort town on the Red Sea in Egypt.

WHEN:

Deadline - The El Gouna Film Festival is in its 9th edition in the year 2026.

WHY:

Variety - Andrew Mohsen states, “Discovery,” is central to his vision for the festival, aiming to highlight overlooked films and broaden audience engagement.

Variety - Andrew Mohsen emphasizes that "Discovery" is central to his vision for the festival, aiming to highlight overlooked films and broaden audience engagement.

HOW:

Variety - Amr Mansi aims to expand the festival's industry partnerships and enhance its foundational elements, including showcasing major international titles and star power.

(UPDATED October 16, 2026 15:58 UTC)

The upcoming festival will showcase major international titles, including the Cannes prize winners “All of a Sudden” and “Ben’imana.” Andrew Mohsen emphasizes that the theme of “Discovery” is central to his vision, focusing on highlighting overlooked films and engaging a broader audience. Additionally, Amr Mansi plans to enhance the festival's foundational elements by expanding industry partnerships and showcasing star power.

(UPDATED October 16, 2026 15:00 UTC)

The 9th El Gouna Film Festival is currently underway in El Gouna, a beautiful resort town on the Red Sea in Egypt, marking the beginning of the MENA fall film festival season. The festival kicked off with a glamorous red-carpet gala screening of the drama "All About Corinne," directed by Marc Fitoussi and featuring Isabelle Huppert. Co-founder Amr Mansi and artistic director Andrew Mohsen are focused on expanding industry partnerships and emphasizing the discovery of overlooked films to engage a broader audience.