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El Gouna Film Festival, a prominent event in the MENA region, has announced its jury for the upcoming edition, scheduled to commence on December 14, 2023. The festival, renowned for its commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic expressions, will feature esteemed juries across three competitions: Feature Narrative, Feature Documentary, and Short Film Competition. Additionally, films will vie for the El Gouna Green Star and other prestigious awards like Cinema for Humanity, the FIPRESCI, and the NETPAC Awards.
The Feature Narrative Competition boasts a distinguished jury, including Anup Singh, a notable figure in alternative Indian cinema; Saba Mubarak, a Jordanian actress with a wealth of experience in film, TV, and theater; Yasmine Al-Massri, an internationally acclaimed actress and activist; Manal Issa, a French-Lebanese actress known for her multifaceted talents; and Omar El Zohairy, an Egyptian filmmaker recognized for his unique blend of realism and surrealism.
The Feature Documentary Competition and El Gouna Green Star will be judged by Catherine Dussart, a producer celebrated for her storytelling; Jehane Noujaim, an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker; Ibrahim Shaddad, a key figure in Sudanese cinema; Sherief Elkatsha, an award-winning Egyptian-American filmmaker; and Lamia Chraibi, known for her commitment to independent cinema.
The Short Film Competition Jury includes Lucy Kerr, Mariam Al Ferjani, a Tunisian actress noted for her compelling performances; Céline Roustan, a significant curator in the short film industry; Razane Jammal, a British-Lebanese actress; and the Lebanese filmmaker Wassim Geagea. Geagea, in particular, stands out as a jury member with his award-winning, vibrant cinematic style.
The FIPRESCI Jury, focusing on debut films from Africa, Asia, or South America, includes Ola Salwa, a Polish journalist and film critic; South African film critic Stephen Aspeling; and Egyptian journalist and film critic Zein Alabedin Khairy. The NETPAC Jury, dedicated to Asian cinema, features Shubhra Gupta, a leading Indian film critic; Ingrid Lill Høgtun, a Norwegian producer; and Dr. Malaak Swed, a scriptwriter and anthropologist.
El Gouna Film Festival Director Intishal Al Timimi expressed gratitude towards these accomplished jurors, emphasizing their role in maintaining the festival’s status as a crucial platform for diverse cinematic voices. Furthermore, the festival includes the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award, allowing audiences to jury feature-length films based on humanitarian themes.
The El Gouna Film Festival is set to showcase about 90 films, encompassing a range of genres and styles, reflecting the artistry and storytelling prowess of filmmakers worldwide. This year also marks the introduction of the CineGouna Market, including the Short Film Lounge, designed to foster connections between emerging and established filmmakers.
Wassim Geagea: A Notable Lebanese Presence on the Jury Panel
The distinguished career of Wassim Geagea as a director is marked by a series of internationally acclaimed short films, showcasing a vibrant and impactful cinematic style that resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike. Geagea’s expertise and experience, derived from his active participation in over 50 film festivals across America and Europe, position him as an authoritative voice on the jury.
His deep understanding of film artistry and his ability to capture the complexities of human experiences in his works, such as the celebrated A New Image (2011) and An Impactful Work (2019), add significant value to the jury’s deliberations. As Geagea embarks on a journey to develop his first feature film, his current role at the El Gouna Film Festival not only highlights his individual accomplishments but also underscores the growing prominence of Lebanese talent in the global film industry.