# El Gouna Film Festival ninth edition proceedings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/el-gouna-film-festival-proceedings
> Updated: 2026-10-19T01:20:37.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4.

The ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, running from October 15 to 23, 2026, continues to emphasize industry development and cinematic achievement. The festival has expanded its cultural reach through the ‘El Gouna in Zawya’ initiative, a four-year collaboration with Cairo-based Cinema Zawya that will showcase seven selected international films this October.

Central to the event is the ‘CineGouna’ platform, which provides support through five key programs, including a talent hub and a market. New efforts to foster emerging talent include the ‘CineGouna Series,’ led by screenwriter Mariam Naoum to develop and market Arabic drama series, and the ‘Egyptian Voices’ program, which assists local filmmakers during early project development.

Industry discussions have also addressed structural challenges. During a panel on the hurdles facing women in cinema, actress Elham Shahin defended her film ‘Lahm Rakhees’ and noted a decline in the number of active producers in Egypt. Additionally, actress Mona Zaki was honored with a Career Achievement Award, where she reflected on her three-decade career and the necessity of creative freedom.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: El Gouna Film Festival hosts high-profile red carpet appearances

The 9th El Gouna Film Festival features high-profile red carpet appearances by Reham Abdel Ghafour, Mona Zaki, and the family of Ashraf Zaki, including the debut of Mariam Ashraf Zaki.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-gouna-film-festival-hosts-high-profile-red-carpet-appearances

### 2026-10-18: El Gouna Film Festival highlights industry support and career achievements

The 9th El Gouna Film Festival is fostering cinematic growth through new industry support programs, cultural collaborations in Cairo, and honoring the careers of prominent Egyptian stars like Mona Zaki.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-gouna-film-festival-expands-industry-support-and-cairo-screenings

### 2026-10-15: El Gouna Film Festival opens ninth edition in Egypt

The ninth El Gouna Film Festival has opened in Egypt, featuring film premieres, cultural seminars, and high-fashion red carpet appearances from major Arab and international stars.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-gouna-film-festival-opens-its-ninth-edition

### 2026-09-22: El Gouna Film Festival explores cinema production and AI impact

The El Gouna Film Festival’s ‘Cine Gouna’ forum explores film production, featuring industry leaders and discussing the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the future of cinema.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-gouna-film-festival-explores-cinema-production-and-ai-impact

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Cite as: El Gouna Film Festival ninth edition proceedings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/el-gouna-film-festival-proceedings