EL GOUNA, Dec 22 (ZIZ): The curtains have closed on the 2023 El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) in a grand celebration of global cinematic brilliance. Despite the year’s challenges, the festival showcased a mesmerizing array of 90 films that captivated audiences and industry experts.
The culminating awards ceremony of the 2023 El Gouna Film Festival revealed exceptional winners across various categories, recognizing outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.
The NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) Jury, featuring eminent figures like Indian film critic Shubhra Gupta, accomplished Norwegian Producer Ingrid Lill Høgtun, and scriptwriter and anthropologist Dr. Malaak Swed, dedicated themselves to honoring excellence in Asian cinema. Their choices resonated with the diversity, depth, and artistic accomplishments of the region.
The NETPAC AWARD FOR BEST ASIAN FILM at GFF#2023 was bestowed upon FROM ABDUL TO LEILA, directed by LEILA AL BAYATY, a filmmaker of Iraqi origin based in France.
The FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) Jury, comprising Polish film critic Ola Salwa, South African film critic Stephen Aspeling, and Egyptian journalist Zein Alabedin Khairy, celebrated exceptional debuts from Africa, Asia, and South America.
The FIPRESCI PRIZE at GFF#2023 went to HOLLYWOODGATE, directed by Ibrahim Nash’at, a Germany-based Egyptian filmmaker.
In the realm of short films, the jury, featuring notable figures like filmmaker Lucy Kerr, Tunisian actress Mariam Al Ferjani, short film curator Céline Roustan, British-Lebanese actress Razane Jammal, and Lebanese filmmaker Wassim Geagea, focused on talent in this format, highlighting creativity and storytelling vision.
The EL GOUNA STAR FOR BEST ARAB SHORT was awarded to LES CHENILLES, directed by Michelle & Noel Keserwany from Lebanon (France).
Further, the festival honored exceptional films like AT LAST, THE DAY directed by Carolina Vergara from Argentina, THE RED SEA MAKES ME WANNA CRY directed by Faris Alrjoob from Jordan, and CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO DIE directed by Sam Manacsa from the Philippines, with bronze, silver, and golden stars for short films, respectively.
The Feature Documentary and El Gouna Green Star Jury, consisting of renowned personalities like producer Catherine Dussart, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Jehane Noujaim, Sudanese cinema pioneer Ibrahim Shaddad, US-born Egyptian filmmaker Sherief Elkatsha, and producer Lamia Chraibi, deliberated on non-fiction filmmaking’s best.
THE EL GOUNA GREEN STAR AWARD for GFF#2023 was claimed by THE BURITI FLOWER directed by João Salaviza & Renée Nader Messora from Brazil.
MACHTAT directed by Sonia Ben Slama from Tunisia received the EL GOUNA STAR FOR BEST ARAB DOCUMENTARY FILM, while ON THE ADAMANT by Nicolas Philibert from France secured the EL GOUNA BRONZE STAR FOR DOCUMENTARY FILM.
The EL GOUNA SILVER STAR FOR DOCUMENTARY FILM was shared by NON-ALIGNED: SCENES FROM THE LABUDOVIC REELS directed by Mila Turajlic from Serbia and SEVEN WINTERS IN TEHRAN directed by Steffi Niederzoll from Germany. The prestigious EL GOUNA GOLD STAR FOR DOCUMENTARY FILM was awarded to HOLLYWOODGATE directed by Ibrahim Nash’at.
The CINEMA FOR HUMANITY AUDIENCE AWARD honored GOODBYE JULIA (WADA’N JULIA) directed by Mohamed Kordofani from Sudan, recognizing its embodiment of humanitarian themes, as chosen by the film-loving audience at GFF#2023.
In the Feature Narrative Competition, the jury, with members like Geneva-based Indian Filmmaker Anup Singh, Jordanian luminary Saba Mubarak, internationally acclaimed US-based Palestinian actress Yasmine Al-Massri, French-Lebanese actress Manal Issa, and acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Omar El Zohairy, selected winners based on exceptional storytelling and cultural contributions.
The EL GOUNA STAR FOR BEST ACTOR was awarded to Bottsooj Uortaikh from IF ONLY I COULD HIBERNATE directed by Zoljargal Purevdash from Mongolia. Parwin Rajabi received the EL GOUNA STAR FOR BEST ACTRESS for her remarkable portrayal in TRANSIENT HAPPINESS directed by Sina Muhammed from Iraq, which also clinched the EL GOUNA STAR FOR BEST ARAB NARRATIVE FILM.
Other notable winners in this category included A STRANGE PATH directed by Guto Parente from Brazil, A GREYHOUND OF A GIRL directed by Enzo D’Alò from Italy, and the prestigious EL GOUNA GOLD STAR FOR BEST NARRATIVE FILM awarded to IN OUR DAY directed by Hong Sangsoo from South Korea.
The esteemed juries dedicated their expertise to acknowledging excellence, creativity, and impactful storytelling. While these awards celebrate a few, the festival recognizes the indelible mark each film leaves in the collective legacy of the 2023 El Gouna Film Festival.
Intishal Al Timimi, Festival Director, bid farewell to the captivating films, acknowledging the dedication and creativity embedded in each creation. The spirit of the festival cherishes every film, acknowledging their unique place in the extraordinary cinematic journey.
The El Gouna Film Festival expressed gratitude to all participants, jurors, and attendees for making this cinematic celebration a resounding success.
