Founded in 2017 on the initiative of Naguib Sawiris, the El Gouna Film Festival is held every autumn in the lagoon town of El Gouna, north of Hurghada. Its 9th edition runs from October 15 to 23, 2026: as of October 17, it is therefore under way. The opening ceremony on Thursday, October 15 presented the French film All About Corinne, and the Egyptian actress Mona Zaki received the Creative Achievement Award there. The programme includes ten Arab films, the most since the festival began, the "Window on Palestine" strand (4th year) and a tribute to the director Mohamed Khan. The industry platform CineGouna, which supports film projects, now has five strands, including a new one devoted to series.
Highlights
The streets of El Gouna
The town of ochre houses, domes and shaded ponds is the setting for the festival. Visitors find cafés and galleries between screenings.
Evenings at the marina
Abu Tig's flower-lined pedestrian street, flanked by ochre façades, is the liveliest spot in town in the evening. See the page on Abu Tig Marina.
Practical info
Tips
- The venues, times and ticketing arrangements for this edition are not in the sources we consulted: check the festival's official website or social media before travelling, and do not count on free entry. Arab films are generally shown in the original language with subtitles. If you come from Hurghada for the day, plan on a round-trip taxi (see our guide from the airport to the centre and hotels for distances); book your accommodation in advance during the festival.
How to get there
El Gouna is about 20 km north of Hurghada and 25 km from the airport, along the coast road. The easiest way is a taxi, agreeing the price before getting in. The exact screening venues should be confirmed with the festival.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.