The Sawiris Foundation, as a partner of the ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, has announced an expansion of its partnership with the festival. This year's collaboration will focus on two main tracks: enhancing the festival experience for people with disabilities and extending the reach of the festival and cinema to a broader audience outside of El Gouna. The ninth edition of the festival is set to take place from October 15 to 23, 2026.
The Sawiris Foundation's participation this year includes supporting over 120 young talents within the Cine Gouna program for emerging talents and more than 60 artisans within the handicrafts tracks. Additionally, the foundation will organize a cinematic journey across six governorates outside of El Gouna. The expansion coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Sawiris Foundation, reflecting its vision for sustainable development through investing in human capabilities and opportunities.
The partnership this year adds new spaces focusing on making the El Gouna Film Festival more accessible to people with disabilities. The Sawiris Foundation is working with the festival to develop a more inclusive experience by improving movement and access within festival areas, providing ramps and suitable pathways, and sign language services. This is in collaboration with the Qadaron B-Akhtalaf fund and technical implementation by Together Inclusive.
The initiative is based on a vision that considers accessibility as part of the festival experience design. This goes beyond just allowing people with disabilities to enter the event; it extends to their ability to participate more independently and fully. The foundation continues to build on successful initiatives within its partnership with the El Gouna Film Festival, supporting talents and filmmakers.
Through the Cine Gouna program for emerging talents and in partnership with the European Union, the Sawiris Foundation supports opportunities for guidance, learning, and direct communication with the cinema industry for nearly 120 young talents. This helps participants develop their experiences, build professional relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of career paths in the cinema industry.
The Sawiris Foundation also continues to support the Cine Gouna award for film production, providing a grant for the production and development of one of the distinguished Egyptian films participating in this year's program. The foundation also supports the "Cinema for Humanity" award, which celebrates cinematic works addressing humanitarian and societal issues.
The Sawiris Cultural Award will have a greater presence within the festival this year, after completing two decades of supporting literature and creativity. This is through a dedicated pavilion within the Cine Gouna market, providing space to introduce the award's history, role in supporting writers and creators, and enhancing its presence within a space that brings together filmmakers, producers, and industry specialists from Egypt, the region, and the world.
Key points
- The Sawiris Foundation's expanded partnership with the El Gouna Film Festival aims to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities and support young talents in the cinema industry.
- The foundation's participation includes supporting over 120 young talents and 60 artisans, as well as organizing a cinematic journey across six governorates outside of El Gouna.
- The Sawiris Cultural Award will have a greater presence within the festival, introducing its history and role in supporting literature and creativity.
