Flair Magazine In an effort to strengthen the collaboration between the Egyptian and American film industries, Film Independent, along with the US Embassy, will be joining the third edition of El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) to present a panel discussion and a three-day feature film script-writing workshop led by American experts.
Moreover, the American support grants two awards valued at $15,000 each for CineGouna Platform’s Springboard Competition: A Spirit Awards Residency in Los Angeles for an Egyptian screenwriter, and a Film Independent Forum Residency for an Egyptian creative producer. Film Independent President Josh Welsh will be serving as a jury member for the competition.
Presenting a selection of the newest films from around the globe, the third edition of GFF will take place in September between 19th-27th. The program consists of three official competitions: Feature Narrative Competition, Feature Documentary Competition and Short Film Competition. After the screening of a total of about 80 films, awards will be announced to the winners of the competitive sections. Feature-length films with a humanitarian theme across any section will be eligible for GFF’s special Cinema for Humanity Audience Award that comes with a trophy, certificate and $20,000.
Here is a rundown of the main awards:
- El Gouna Golden Star for Narrative Film – Trophy, Certificate and $50,000
- El Gouna Silver Star for Narrative Film – Trophy, Certificate and $25,000
- El Gouna Bronze Star for Narrative Film – Trophy, Certificate and $15,000
- El Gouna Star for the Best Arab Narrative Film – Trophy, Certificate and $20,000
- El Gouna Star for the Best Actor – Trophy and Certificate
- El Gouna Star for the Best Actress – Trophy and Certificate
Each cash award will be equally shared equally between the director and the main producer of the winning film. The advisory board is brimful of industry professionals who are icons of professionalism and artistic achievement, mainly including American actor Forest Whitaker, Egyptian actress Youssra, Egyptian film director Yousry Nasrallah and Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabry.
Another award worth noting is Mohamed Heneidy’s Career Achievement Award, which celebrates individuals whose work and commitment to cinema have left an indelible mark in their field of work. Throughout his career, the acclaimed actor achieved legendary success, confirming his talent and presence as a comedian. Starring in films that reaped the highest box office revenues, some of his most famous roles include those in Hamam in Amsterdam (1999), Breaking News (2001), Soldiers in the Camp (2003), The Great Beans of China (2004), The Face of Crime (2006), Ramadan Mabrouk Abul-Alamein Hamouda (2008) and The Prince of Seas (2009). He also excelled with his vocal performances in the Egyptian versions of many animated series and films.
