The central objective of the market is to facilitate connections among film professionals and the commercialisation of films.
El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has introduced the CineGouna Market, to centralise industry activities at the heart of the festival in the Festival Plaza for its sixth edition. This hub, previously reserved for gala events, now hosts the CineGouna Springboard, and CineGouna Bridge activities, and includes one large auditorium for master classes and two smaller venues to conduct daily discussions, creating a nurturing space for MENA region filmmakers.
The CineGouna Market will provide a space for both established and up-and-coming voices in the Arab film sector, including producers, distributors, sales agents, and VOD platforms, providing a platform for showcasing projects, services, and technologies.
At the core of any film market lies the goal of fostering connections among industry experts and advancing the commercialisation of films.
The CineGouna Market is dedicated to cultivating an environment that promotes networking and relationship-building among filmmakers, distributors, sales agents, investors, and other influential stakeholders. These connections extend both regionally and internationally, contributing to the growth of the Arab film industry.
A highlight within the Market will be the CineGouna Short Film Lounge where a curated selection of short films will be available for viewing with dedicated screening times during the day. This focus on accessibility and programming aligns with one of GFF’s core objectives: empowering emerging filmmakers.
Commenting on the initiative, Amr Mansi, Executive Director of GFF, said: “As we witness the Arab film industry’s impressive growth and international recognition, we are committed to creating even more opportunities for industry professionals. We aim to take the CineGouna Platform to new heights. It was the right time to reimagine the Festival Hub as a place where all facets of the industry converge. In this context, we have planted the seeds of a Market to complement the numerous offerings CGP provides. Similarly, our revamped Bridge programme is set to be stronger and more impactful than ever before. I think it is important to invest in infrastructure and initiatives such as the CineGouna Market that will contribute to to fueling this growth.”
In the previous five editions, GFF has consistently backed projects and filmmakers through its programmes. CineGouna Bridge has regularly hosted tailored workshops, panels, and masterclasses. Meanwhile, CineGouna Springboard has presented numerous chances for filmmakers and their projects in development to learn from industry mentors and compete for awards from influential industry stakeholders.
Intishal Al-Timimi, Festival Director, stated the goal of creating an immersive environment for industry professionals and filmmakers to engage and collaborate. He added: “The CineGouna Market is not just a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to foster organic connections among the various stakeholders shaping Arab Cinema. Our goal is to create an immersive environment where industry professionals and filmmakers can naturally engage, exchange ideas, and collaborate. We believe that this synergy is essential for the continued growth and innovation of our industry.”
GFF has also introduced CineGouna Emerge, supporting students and first-time filmmakers, and providing resources, mentorship, exposure, and support for their work.
This year, GFF has also introduced CineGouna Emerge, a programme designed for students and first-time filmmakers, inviting them to participate in and benefit from all festival activities. GFF strives to inspire these emerging talents with resources, mentorship, exposure, and support to advance their creative endeavours.
Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director, stressed the importance of supporting emerging talents, ensuring they become part of the industry from the start. “In our region, we have a wealth of creative talent but limited resources to nurture it. That’s why it’s vital for GFF to provide exposure to these emerging filmmakers. They will benefit from our curated programs and the expertise of industry professionals attending the festival, ensuring they’re part of the industry from the very beginning,” Khoury concluded.
CineGouna Market’s mission is to foster collaboration among key players in the regional film industry. Emerging and established filmmakers can explore potential partners to promote their films or advance their ongoing projects. Journalists and critics are encouraged to explore the lineups of influential production and distribution companies. Even film enthusiasts can wander through the market to discover projects, enjoy films at the CineGouna Short Film Lounge, or gain insight into new technological advancements.
From October 13 to 20, on the Plaza Square, the festival will host the Happy Hour at the CineGouna Market from 5 pm to 6 pm. This networking event provides a relaxed and social setting for film professionals to connect.
