UNHCR Egypt is participating in the 7th edition of the Gouna Film Festival (GFF), an annual event with which UNHCR has engaged since its inception. This year’s activities underscore the enduring partnership between GFF and UNHCR, showcasing their joint dedication to fostering nuanced and empathetic representations of refugees.
On 25 October, UNHCR Egypt will participate in the CineGouna opening, marking the start of its engagement with the festival. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about forced displacement in the region and its impact on millions of lives amidst the ongoing conflicts in the MENA region.
On 26-27 October, in collaboration with CineGouna, UNHCR will host a workshop titled “UNHCR: Refugees and Unique Storytelling,” delivered by film writer and director Nagwa Najjar. Opening remarks by UNHCR Egypt Representative, Dr. Hanan Hamdan, will inaugurate this two-day initiative, designed to empower emerging storytellers and filmmakers from conflict-affected regions. Participants, including refugees from Sudan, Somalia, and Syria supported by UNHCR to attend the festival, will gain essential filmmaking skills and have the opportunity to express their unique narratives and connect with industry professionals.
On 27 October, the “Eyes On: Cinema in Conflict” panel will feature distinguished filmmakers from Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. Moderated by UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador Raya Abi Rashed, the panel will explore how these filmmakers navigate the challenges of creating cinema amidst conflict and how their work contributes to a deeper understanding of the human experience in these regions. The discussion will also highlight the role of cinema in advocating for social change and raising awareness about the realities faced by people living in conflict zones.
The festival will culminate with a panel discussion on “Impactful Stories: Beyond the Film,” featuring speakers Remi Grellety and UNHCR High Profile Supporter Kinda Aloush, alongside representatives of UNHCR Egypt, Dr. Hamdan, and UNFPA Egypt, Mr. Yves Sassenrath. This panel, moderated by filmmaker Maggie Morgan, will explore how cinema can drive social change and reshape public perceptions, addressing the pivotal question: Can cinema change the world?
UNHCR’s participation in the Gouna Film Festival aligns with the Refugee Agency’s broader objectives of leveraging the power of film to change the narrative surrounding refugees, promoting a more accurate and empathetic portrayal of their lives and contributions, inspiring global support, and cultivating a more informed and compassionate society.
For further information pease contact:
Nerine Massoud and/or Christine Beshay, [email protected]
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