CineGouna Continues to Support Filmmakers and Regional Talent
The CineGouna platform is preparing to launch its core programs during the ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, reinforcing its role as a space that supports regional talent and connects filmmakers with professionals from Egypt, the Arab world and beyond.
The ninth edition of El Gouna Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 15 to 23, 2026, while CineGouna Funding activities will take place during the festival, offering selected projects access to financial support, professional guidance and industry networking opportunities.
The platform focuses on supporting film projects at different stages of production, helping filmmakers develop their ideas, strengthen their projects and explore opportunities to move toward production and wider audiences.
🎬 CineGouna Funding Supports Arab Film Projects
One of CineGouna’s main initiatives is CineGouna Funding, which supports Arab film projects in the development stage as well as films in post-production.
Selected projects participate in a specialized mentoring program and receive dedicated one-on-one meetings with professionals from different areas of the film industry.
The initiative also gives filmmakers opportunities to connect with producers, funders, distributors, sales agents and festival programmers, creating additional possibilities for professional collaboration and project development.
⭐ 23 Projects Selected for the 9th Edition
For its ninth edition, CineGouna Funding selected 23 projects from more than 310 submissions received from across the Arab world.
The selection includes 13 projects in development, consisting of 10 narrative feature projects, two long-form documentaries and one feature animation project.
The program also includes six films in post-production, with three narrative features and three documentaries, alongside four projects selected for the “Egyptian Voices” program.
The selection reflects the program’s broad scope, covering different production stages and several forms of filmmaking.
💰 Financial and Professional Support
CineGouna’s support extends beyond mentoring and industry meetings, as selected projects become eligible to compete for cash and in-kind awards designed to help filmmakers advance their work.
The combined value of the prizes offered annually through CineGouna programs exceeds $300,000, providing additional support for projects at different stages.
The best development project receives a $15,000 cash prize, alongside additional awards presented through partnerships with local and regional institutions.
This structure gives filmmakers access to both professional guidance and financial resources as they work toward completing their projects.
🇪🇬 “Egyptian Voices” Introduces a New Space for Local Projects
The ninth edition also features the “Egyptian Voices” initiative, which includes four projects currently in development.
The program provides mentoring and guidance sessions designed to help filmmakers strengthen their projects, improve their pitching skills and develop strategies for the next stages of their work.
It creates an additional space for emerging Egyptian voices while connecting participants with experienced professionals during the festival.
🤝 One-on-One Meetings and Networking Opportunities
One of the key elements of CineGouna is its one-on-one meetings, which connect selected filmmakers directly with industry professionals.
These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss projects in detail and receive feedback that can help strengthen creative ideas and address production or professional challenges.
They can also help filmmakers establish connections with potential partners, funders, distributors or other industry representatives who may support their projects in the future.
🌍 Bringing Filmmakers and Industry Professionals Together
CineGouna’s role goes beyond financial support. The platform also serves as a meeting point for filmmakers, talents, experts and industry professionals from the region and around the world.
Through mentoring sessions, professional meetings and networking activities, the platform encourages the exchange of knowledge and creates opportunities for regional and international collaboration.
This industry-focused dimension is part of El Gouna Film Festival’s wider role in supporting film production and professional development alongside its public screenings.
🎥 Supporting Films from Development to Post-Production
CineGouna supports projects across multiple stages of filmmaking, from early-stage ideas and development projects to films that have already reached post-production.
This allows the program to provide different forms of assistance depending on the needs of each project, whether filmmakers require creative development, technical feedback, professional mentoring, funding opportunities or industry connections.
The result is a platform that brings together development, financing and professional networking within one film-industry program.
✨ CineGouna Prepares for Another Edition of Film Support
With the ninth edition of El Gouna Film Festival approaching, CineGouna is preparing to present its main programs with a broad selection of projects and emerging talents.
The new edition features selected projects in development and post-production, alongside the launch of “Egyptian Voices” and continued mentoring, one-on-one meetings and competitive award opportunities.
Ultimately, CineGouna continues to play an important role in supporting Arab filmmakers by combining financial and professional assistance with mentorship and industry networking, making it a key part of the professional and industry activities of El Gouna Film Festival.
What do you think matters most to filmmakers at CineGouna: financial support or mentoring and meetings with industry professionals? 🎬💬
