The El Gouna International Film Festival (EGFF) is taking place this week in El Gouna, the purpose-built lagoon resort 65 km north of Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The 10th edition of one of the Arab world’s most important film platforms brings together filmmakers, industry delegates, and the public for screenings, panels, and awards across the town’s open-air and indoor cinema spaces.
About the Festival
Founded in 2017 by Egyptian producers Karim and Hala Farid, the EGFF has grown into a meeting point between Arab and international cinema. Each edition selects films competing for the Golden Star award across feature, documentary, and short categories, alongside a curated programme of non-competition screenings and retrospectives.
The festival is known for championing Arab talent and co-productions with Europe and North America — films that often make their regional premieres here before wider distribution. Past editions have hosted names including Cate Blanchett, Oliver Stone, and Yousra, alongside a strong contingent of emerging Egyptian directors.
Why El Gouna
El Gouna is a self-contained resort town designed around a series of connected lagoons and canals, with hotels, restaurants, and a marina built to a high standard. Unlike most Egyptian beach destinations, it is compact and walkable, with a genuine year-round residents’ population.
October is one of El Gouna’s best months: sea temperatures of around 28°C remain ideal for swimming and snorkelling, air temperatures drop to a comfortable 30–32°C during the day, and the resort is far less crowded than the July–August peak.
For visitors who haven’t been before, the combination of film festival access and a Red Sea beach holiday is genuinely unusual — the EGFF takes place partly on outdoor terraces and open-air venues, with the sea visible from many screening areas.
Practical Notes
Access to festival screenings is via tickets sold on the EGFF website. Some public screenings are free or low-cost; competition films require advance booking. Accommodation in El Gouna ranges from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts — book early for festival week as the town has limited total capacity.
From Hurghada Airport (HRG), taxis and shuttle services reach El Gouna in around 30 minutes. Hurghada is served by direct charter flights from across Europe including Germany, the UK, Poland, and Russia, as well as regular EgyptAir connections from Cairo.
For a full guide to the area, our El Gouna guide covers accommodation, activities, and travel logistics. Our Hurghada guide covers the broader Red Sea coast including resorts, dive sites, and day trips. For more events and cultural activities across Egypt, see our things to do section.