The El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is excited to unveil a dynamic lineup of events and panels at the Egyptian Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival, taking place from May 13 to 24, 2025. In collaboration with the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and the Egypt Film Commission (EFC), GFF’s involvement is poised to enhance the visibility of Egyptian and Arab cinema on the international stage.

Amr Mansi, Founder and Executive Director of GFF, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating: “Our presence at the Egypt Pavilion in Cannes highlights the strength of partnership. Together with CIFF and EFC, we aim to elevate the voice of Egyptian cinema and create meaningful connections within the global film community.”

The Egyptian Pavilion will act as a vibrant hub for international engagement throughout the festival, offering a carefully curated series of panel discussions that link global industry professionals with opportunities and talent from Egypt and the broader Arab world. These panels will address vital topics, including Egypt’s potential as a premier filming destination, collaborative efforts between Hollywood and Cairo, and strategies to bolster the regional film festival ecosystem.

A standout event in the program is the panel titled “Filming in Egypt: Egypt as a Global Filming Destination,” scheduled for May 14. This session will explore the country’s allure and practical benefits for international film productions. Following this, additional discussions will focus on collaboration between American and Egyptian film sectors, the expansion of co-productions within the Arab world, and the emergence of new Arab filmmakers.

Artistic Director Marianne Khoury highlighted the broader objectives of the program, adding: “From thought-provoking discussions to celebrating the success of films like Aisha Can’t Fly Anymore (Un Certain Regard) and Life After Siham (2025 ACID), our program at Cannes is designed to showcase the talent and opportunities within the Egyptian film landscape.”

The Egyptian Pavilion aspires to be a lively space for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and other industry professionals to connect, forge partnerships, and tap into the creative energy emerging from Egypt and the Arab region.