It is difficult to keep up with increasing expectations, but the team behind the Gouna International Film Festival (GIFF) seem up to the challenge. At the packed press conference moderated by actress Injy El Mokkaddem, enthusiasm and patriot spirits were soaring. The event teased many of the surprises in store for cinema lovers when the event kicks off on the 19th of September.
CEO and Co-Founder Amr Mansi spoke of the importance and responsibility the team shares for carving a spot for GIFF on the regional cinematic map and also announced the opening of a grand movie theater which will screen this year’s lineup of films.
The festival’s director Intishal Al Timimi spoke with excitement regarding Egypt’s first animated film The Knight and the Princess which will premiere during the festival, while El Gouna Founder Sameh Sawiris and Festival Founder Naguib Sawiris teased about special celebrations for the 30th anniversary of El Gouna.
COO and Co-Founder Bushra Rozza gave the audience insight into the selection and negotiation process for the famous international celebrities who attend each year, and she is just as excited as the rest of us about Mena Massoud, star of Aladdin, attending this year’s edition. Rozza also announced legendary comedian Mohamed Henedy will receive a Career Achievement Award. She told us not to give up hope that Rami Malek will make it one year, they are working on it!
Marwan Hamed, one of Egypt’s most innovative filmmakers, will head the Short Film Competition Jury and Tunisian Star Dorra Zarrouk will be serving as a jury member for the same category. ⠀
