The El Gouna Film Festival opened its ninth edition on Thursday, October 15. The ceremony honored Egyptian actress Mona Zaki with a career award. It also honored veteran lighting specialist Hassan El Sayed. Meanwhile, live music and dance filled the evening. The red carpet brought together Egyptian, Arab, and international guests.
A Red Carpet in Black, Gold and Ivory
Fashion set the tone before the ceremony began. Mona Zaki arrived in a strapless black gown with a full tulle skirt. A gold lattice and crystal flowers covered the bodice and skirt. She paired it with a diamond necklace and bracelet.
Rakeen Saad told Soul Arabia that her stylist, Omar Abdulghani, was likely aiming for a soft, feminine, and swan-like look. Her ivory gown featured a sweetheart neckline with beaded lines fanning downward, while sheer sleeves provided a delicate finish.
Yasmina El Abd Hosts
Actress Yasmina El Abd hosted the ceremony. Recorded and live segments explored cinema’s power to preserve stories. She opened by asking why people make films. Then she spoke about how films carry viewers into other lives. She also stressed that cinema documents the present for future generations. As a result, the evening echoed this year’s theme, Archiving Narratives.
Mona Zaki’s Emotional Moment
The festival presented its Career Achievement Award to Mona Zaki. Director Mohamed Shaker Khodeir handed her the honor. He praised her ability to portray women with simplicity and depth. He also described her as an inspiring and courageous artist. Zaki became tearful during her speech. She spoke about the fear that has followed her throughout her career. Then she told younger artists, “Don’t let fear control you.”
Her masterclass, Beyond Stardom, takes place on Friday, October 16, at 4 PM. Mohamed Yassin moderates the session.
Honoring the Light Behind the Camera
The ceremony also recognised Hassan El Sayed, a leading figure in Egyptian cinema lighting. He has worked for four decades. Cinematographer and actor Sameh Selim presented his Gaffer Special Tribute Award. El Sayed’s credits include The Thief of Happiness, In Search of Sayyid Marzouk, and Paradise of the Devils. Notably, the tribute put the spotlight on technical artists who usually work behind the scenes.
Music, Dance and a Surprise
Music played a central role in the evening. Egyptian musician Mohamed Nawara led a live musical and vocal performance. It combined Egyptian and international compositions. A dance performance followed. Dancers in sequined fringe dresses filled the stage, and a singer in a beaded pearl gown opened the number.
Then came a surprise appearance. Egyptian-American soprano Shereen Ahmed performed the classic “Helwa Ya Balady.” Reports say she sang in Arabic for the first time. Consequently, the ceremony closed with a tribute to Egyptian musical heritage.
What Comes Next
The festival now moves from ceremony to screenings. French director Marc Fitoussi’s All About Corinne screens as the official opening film on Friday, October 16, at 7 PM. Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Kiberlain star. In total, the programme includes 77 films from 69 countries, including 16 late additions.
The festival runs until October 23. Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi, who receives the second Career Achievement Award, gives his masterclass on October 22.
