Joanna Hogg discusses film jury role at El Gouna Film Festival

British filmmaker Joanna Hogg, serving as the president of the Feature Narrative Competition jury at the ninth edition of Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival, has shared insights into her approach to evaluating cinema. Hogg stated that she prefers to approach films with an open mind and minimal prior knowledge, often avoiding even a synopsis to maintain receptivity.

Rather than applying uniform criteria, Hogg seeks works that offer emotional clarity or a distinct vision, noting that a film does not need to be tear-jerking to be impactful. She expressed interest in the diverse perspectives offered by her fellow jury members from Egypt, Iraq, and Turkey, which has increased her curiosity regarding Middle Eastern cinema.

The festival also marks a return to film viewing for Hogg following a period focused on writing. She is currently working on a new film that explores the tension between personal lived experiences and fictional storytelling.