The seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has been officially announced, scheduled to take place from October 24th to November 1st. The festival disclosed the dates for the upcoming edition in a statement, reaffirming their dedication to bolstering the Arab film industry. The previous edition of GFF was held from December 14th to December 21st.
The El Gouna Film Festival (GFF), founded in 2017, in Egypt serves not only as a platform for cinematic celebration but also as a catalyst for addressing pressing global issues, particularly those concerning sustainability and the environment. Amidst its vibrant tapestry of films, the festival emphasizes the power of art to foster awareness and dialogue about ecological challenges while promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
This year is a good time to support the film festival with a visit because the Hamas attack on Israel has destabilized the region and tourism has tanked in Egypt.
Within the realm of Arab cinema, there has been a notable emergence of films that delve into themes of ecology, the planet, and renewable energy, shedding light on the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. These cinematic works not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire action towards a more sustainable future.
Consider Arab films like Theeb, a Jordanian drama set against the backdrop of the Arabian Desert during World War I, offers a compelling exploration of humanity’s impact on fragile ecosystems. As the character embarks on a perilous journey through the unforgiving landscape, the film confronts themes of survival, exploitation, and the consequences of environmental degradation. By immersing viewers in the harsh beauty of the desert, Theeb prompts reflection on the need for responsible stewardship of natural habitats and resources.
Sand Storm, an acclaimed drama from Israel’s Negev Desert, delves into the complexities of gender dynamics and environmental conservation within Bedouin society. Through its intimate portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship and the tensions that arise when tradition clashes with modernity, the film offers insights into the socio-cultural forces shaping attitudes towards the environment. Sand Storm underscores the importance of fostering inclusive dialogues and empowering marginalized communities to participate in efforts towards sustainable development.
There is Raha Shirazi’s film Acqua, almost guaranteed to make you never take water for granted again. In it, a woman walks through snow in search of water with a jar on her back. Everywhere there is water, but after reaching a specific destination, she experiences some kind of trauma that especially resonates with us given the region’s tremendous water scarcity.
Beyond the realm of narrative cinema, Arab filmmakers have also embraced the documentary format to explore environmental issues in depth. For instance, Rafea: Solar Mama follows the journey of a Bedouin woman from Jordan as she trains to become a solar engineer, challenging gender norms and advocating for renewable energy solutions in her community. Through her inspiring story, the documentary showcases the transformative potential of renewable technologies in empowering marginalized populations and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Solar Mama
The El Gouna Film Festival serves as a platform for amplifying voices that champion environmental stewardship and sustainable development in the Arab world and beyond. By showcasing films that tackle ecological issues with nuance and empathy, the festival harnesses the power of art to inspire collective action and promote a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the planet.
While the festival isn’t selling itself as an eco film festival, artists can certainly exert their influence by submitting films of this nature. The festival does offer a $10,000 prize for films in the “green star” category. More on that here.
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