The 8th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival began tonight with a dazzling red-carpet event that brought together film stars, directors, and critics from around the world under the shimmering lights of the Red Sea.

Among the first to arrive were Amr Mansi, the festival’s CEO, and his wife, along with Marianne Khoury, the festival’s artistic director, filmmaker Hala Khalil, film critic Tarek El Shennawy, and actor Kamel El Basha. Their appearance marked the ceremonial start of one of the Arab world’s most prestigious cinematic gatherings.

This year, the festival honors Menna Shalaby with the Creative Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to Egyptian and Arab cinema. Meanwhile, international star Cate Blanchett graces the event as Guest of Honor, receiving the Humanitarian Hero Award for her artistic excellence and humanitarian work.

More than 70 films from around the world will be screened during the festival, spanning feature narratives, documentaries, and shorts. Egyptian cinema will have a strong presence with five films competing in various sections, in addition to the opening film “Happy Birthday” and a special screening of “El Sadat El Afadel” before its theatrical release on October 22.

The juries for this edition include a stellar lineup, with Laila Eloui heading the feature film jury, Nicolas Philibert leading the documentary jury, and Mahdi Fleifel presiding over the short film jury. Other jury members include Mai El Gheity, Jana Wahba, and Hala Khalil, reflecting the festival’s diverse and inclusive spirit.

Running until October 24, the festival continues to serve as a vibrant platform for cinematic art and cross-cultural dialogue, celebrating the power of film to unite people and ideas.