In this episode of Gouna Film Pod, Adly Thoma and Ahmed Magdy sit down for an unfiltered conversation about "AI & Cinema: The Future of Filmmaking". As "artificial intelligence enters the world of film", they explore the big question: "Is AI enhancing creativity or slowly replacing it?". Together, they discuss the "balance between human emotion and machine precision" and "whether technology can truly understand the art of storytelling". It's a deep dive into how new tools are reshaping the industry for actors, writers, and directors.

In this episode of Gouna Film Pod, critics Ahmed Shawky and Mohammed Tarek sit down for an unfiltered conversation about the role of criticism in cinema. As FIPRESCI marks its 100th anniversary, this episode reflects on the "enduring dialogue between critics and cinema". Together, they explore "how criticism shapes appreciation, influences filmmakers, and sustains the cultural conversation around film". It’s a deep dive into the critic's role, "not as judge, but as storyteller", and how they help frame the way we see and remember films.

In this "This Year on Screen" episode of Gouna Film Pod, actor Florian Geisselmann (star of Sound of Falling) and Caroline Hellwig sit down for an unfiltered conversation. As "diverse voices behind this year's GFF screenings," they explore their creative journey to the festival, the experience of bringing a German production to an Egyptian audience, and what it's like to be part of GFF's "cinematic mosaic". Together, they reflect on the power of "artistic exchange" and the dialogue that forms between European and Arab cinema at Gouna.

In this episode of Gouna Film Pod, director Sarah Gohar and producer Ahmed El Desouky sit down for an unfiltered conversation about how a story "born in one corner of the Arab world finds its way to international acclaim". Together, they explore the "path from local filmmaking to global competition". They discuss the "festival journey", the challenges of bringing local stories to global screens, and "how authenticity remains the key to resonating across borders". With honesty and insight, they reflect on what it truly takes for a story to travel.

In this "Rising Voices" episode of Gouna Film Pod, actress Yasmina El Abd and global icon Yusra Mardini sit down for an unfiltered conversation about their journeys as two of the most powerful young Arab women on the world stage. Together, they explore what it means to be part of "a new generation... shaping the future of Arab storytelling". They discuss the "bold, diverse, and unafraid" spirit of their generation, the "fresh perspectives" they bring to their work, and how they navigate the challenges of fame, representation, and using their platforms to "signal a shift in the landscape".

What does it really mean for Arab talent to go global? In this "Beyond Borders" episode of Gouna Film Pod, we sit down with two actors who have made the leap: Rosaline El Bay and Sedky Sakhr. In an honest and unscripted conversation, they explore the creative and cultural challenges of working in international productions. From the pressure of representation to navigating a "multilingual, interconnected world" , Rosaline and Sedky share their personal experiences with stepping outside their comfort zones and finding an authentic Arab voice on the global screen.

In this episode of Gouna Film Pod, director Karim El Shenawy and writer-producer Moustafa Sakr sit down for an unfiltered conversation about their creative partnership, from how their collaboration began to the making of their latest film, El Sada El Afadel. Together, they explore the challenges facing today’s cinema, the risks of stepping outside their comfort zones, and the evolving dynamics between directors and writers in Egypt’s film industry. With honesty and humor, they reflect on storytelling and authenticity.

Cinema is a powerful medium for raising awareness to universally critical issues like climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Films can inspire people to make a change by presenting the human side of these environmental issues. Gouna Film Festival’s Green Star Award celebrates films shedding a spotlight on environmental issues, ecology, and wildlife, stories that encourage sustainability and the protection of our planet. In this episode, the jury of Gouna Film Festival’s Green Star award, consisting of actress Tara Emad, actor Ahmed Magdy, and Dutch producer Annemiek Van der Hell, share with us how they look out for films in this category, and how being part of this award helps them advocate for the environmental causes that matter.

We sit down with Engineer Samih Sawiris to discuss Gouna as an artistic and cinematic hub, how GFF supports the cultural and artistic landscape in the region, his favorite things about the festival, and what’s next for GFF. In today’s episode, the iconic actress, Yousra, will talk with Engineer Samih Sawiris about the great success and impact that Gouna Film Festival has achieved over the past seven years, and the festival’s impact on tourism in Egypt in general, and in Gouna specifically.

Some movies are centered around one hero who goes through an inspiring journey of transformation. But here, the real heroes are the rising filmmakers bringing their movies to life. In this episode, Palestinian filmmaker, Mohamed AlMughanni, Director of award-winning from, “An Orange from Jaffa”, and Lebanese filmmaker, Nay Tabara, Director of award-winning film, “Ebb and Flow“, speak together about art as a tool for resistance, and the role of art in reflecting identity, culture, and the real...

بيئة سينمائية لصناعة الأفلام | محمد تيمور وحياة الجويلي - CineGouna | An Ecosystem for The Film Industry How does a film go from merely an idea, to a script, to a fully-fledged production? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of CineGouna, Gouna Film Festival’s film lab designed specifically to support young filmmakers in developing their projects and finding mentorship, financial, and artistic support. Head of CineGouna Emerge, Hayat El Gowaily and Head of CineGouna Market, ...

Sometimes early childhood experiences predict a future of greatness. In this episode of Gouna Film Pod, renowned advertising director, Omar Hilal, known for some of Egypt’s most iconic commercials, and celebrated actor, Mohamed Farrag, share stories from their beginnings in the world of art, their epic collaboration in the film “Voy Voy Voy“, and the unforgettable milestones in their lives and careers.

There’s a moment that every director waits for in their journey—the moment that transforms them from just a dreamer to a true filmmaker. Film festivals, like El Gouna Film Festival, played a crucial role in this journey.The director and actor speaking today have both gone through an extraordinary journey. In this episode, prolific director, Tamer Ashry and internationally celebrated actor, Amir El-Masry, share their artistic journey and the pivotal moments that opened doors for their suc...

We’re scouting for the movies that are creating a buzz at Gouna Film Festival. In this episode, we’re shedding light on one of the most popular films in this edition of Gouna Film Festival; “The Brink of Dreams”, the movie that won The Golden Eye award at Cannes Film Festival. Tune in as Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, the directors of the film, share their experience at Cannes Film Festival and express their feelings about their passion project turning into a reality.

Gouna Film Pod starts on a high note with a GFF Special episode featuring legendary actor Mahmoud Hemida. In this episode, prolific actress Mariam El Khosht sits down with Hemida to chat about his acting career, reflect back at some special highlights or moments from his memorable roles, his experience mentoring actors, and what the career achievement award represents for him. Tune in to episode 1 of Gouna Film Pod.

An exclusive behind-the-scenes episode with the GFF team to walk us through the GFF backstage, where this edition stands from programs and activities as opposed to the past 6 editions, and what to expect this year. Tune in to episode 0 of Gouna Film Pod.