
        "Every country in the Arab world has their own voice"
- Inside the ninth edition: closer collaboration between film programming, festival activities and CineGouna.
- How an international programming team discusses films, with Mohsen watching more than 200 features per edition, excluding shorts.
- Why filmmaker attendance and audience Q&As are important to the selection process.
- The distinct voices within Arab cinema and their place in the narrative, documentary and short-film competitions.
- The role of stars, masterclasses, panels and pitching sessions—and why celebrity attendance is not the festival’s main aim.
- El Gouna’s appeal for visitors: accessible venues and a “film-life balance” combining cinema, industry events, beaches and Egyptian food.
      

Just about seven months Andrew Mohsen had to program his first edition of the El Gouna Film Festival. Boasting a record ten Arab titles, the lineup of 77 films places international festival fare from Sundance to Venice alongside emerging regional voices. On site at the scenic desert destination’s busy festival hub, Lidanoir spoke with the festival’s freshly appointed artistic director about what makes this edition stand out, the role of international stars, and what makes a film good for Gouna. 

Interview with GFF Artistic Director Andrew Mohsen

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