The El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt has announced that the French film "All About Corrine" directed by Marc Fitoussi will be the opening film for its 9th edition. The festival will take place from October 15 to 23, 2026. "All About Corrine" stars Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Kiberlain. The film follows Corrine, an aspiring actress working in minor roles, as she navigates the French film industry.
The film explores themes of perseverance and ambition as Corrine encounters renowned actress Sandrine. Their initial confrontation turns into an unexpected friendship, raising questions about Corrine's potential for stardom. Director Marc Fitoussi described the film as a story about perseverance that resonates with everyone. He noted that all individuals have ambitions and goals, and many have faced rejection or disappointment.
The film is produced by Caroline Bongrand Marchand, with Fabrice Delville and Sophie Tiberghien also involved in production. The El Gouna Film Festival's artistic director, Andrew Mohsen, explained that the film's focus on the film industry makes it a fitting choice for the opening. Mohsen highlighted Isabelle Huppert's performance as particularly noteworthy, given her portrayal of an actress within the film.
Mohsen emphasized the festival's commitment to serving as a cultural bridge between filmmakers, industry specialists, and film enthusiasts worldwide. Since its inception, the El Gouna Film Festival has aimed to promote dialogue between cultures and enhance human connection through cinema. The festival showcases prominent global cinematic works annually.
Amr El-Mansi, co-founder and executive director of the El Gouna Film Festival, noted that the choice of opening film reflects the festival's spirit. El-Mansi stated that films have the unique ability to help audiences understand others' journeys, aspirations, and challenges. The 9th edition of the festival will feature eight days of film screenings, specialized workshops, and events.
"All About Corrine" will be screened as the official opening film on October 16, 2026. The festival will include various activities and events, with details available on the official festival website. The El Gouna Film Festival is a prominent event in the Middle East and North Africa, aiming to foster better cultural connections through cinema.
The festival seeks to discover new cinematic voices and support the development of cinema in the Arab world through its industry platform, Cini Gouna. With its 9th edition, the El Gouna Film Festival continues to bring together filmmakers and enthusiasts to celebrate human stories that transcend cultural boundaries.
Key points
- The El Gouna Film Festival's 9th edition will open with the French film "All About Corrine" on October 16, 2026.
- The film explores themes of perseverance and ambition in the French film industry.
- The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding through cinema.