El Gouna Film Festival

مهرجان الجونة السينمائي

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Arts & CultureEl Gouna
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
Duration9 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsUnlike festivals built into existing cities
Language["ar"]Currency: EGP
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

El Gouna Film Festival in El Gouna

El Gouna Film Festival, launched in 2017 by businessman Naguib Sawiris in the purpose-built Red Sea resort town his brother developed, stages red-carpet premieres at the open-air Plaza Theatre against a marina backdrop. Its Golden Star awards honour narrative and documentary features, pairing film programming with the town's beach, diving and marina hospitality.

El Gouna Film Festival launched in September 2017 in the purpose-built Red Sea resort town of El Gouna, founded by businessman Naguib Sawiris with backing from his brother Samih Sawiris, the developer who created the town itself on what was once empty desert coastline.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike festivals built into existing cities, El Gouna Film Festival unfolds inside a single purpose-built resort town, with the marina, lagoons and hotel infrastructure functioning as a compact festival campus rather than a dispersed urban venue

02

The mystery stays covered

Its Golden Star prizes for best narrative feature and best documentary give it competitive weight, and its industry-facing programming has grown to connect Arab and African filmmakers with financing partners

03

The city starts moving

Opening and closing ceremonies at the open-air Plaza Theatre, staged against the Red Sea, have become the festival's signature image in regional press coverage

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival opens and closes with red-carpet ceremonies at the open-air Plaza Theatre

Water and renewal

Living ritual

awarding its Golden Star prizes in narrative and documentary categories

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of El Gouna you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Evening premieres at the Plaza Theatre call for smart or formal wear for the red carpet, while daytime hours around the marina suit resort-casual clothing and sun protection given El Gouna's...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if El Gouna Film Festival runs late.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

["ar"] · EGP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map27.40 N, 33.67 EOpen in Google Maps

El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt

Nearest airportHRG — Hurghada
TransportStay close enough to the part of El Gouna you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if El Gouna Film Festival runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to El Gouna via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near El Gouna, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearEvening premieres at the Plaza Theatre call for smart or formal wear for the red carpet, while daytime hours around the marina suit resort-casual clothing and sun protection given El Gouna's coastal heat.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Egypt and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is El Gouna Film Festival?

El Gouna Film Festival is listed for Past edition: 16–24 October 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does El Gouna Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in El Gouna, Egypt. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

9 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLelgounafilmfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked
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