4th Issue Monday, October 26, 2020

Ameen Nayfeh Wins the EDA Award

Habiba Osama, This award is a Award-winning Palestinian film director The announcement took place before In his short speech, Nayfeh thanked GFF Ameen Nayfeh was announced as the the MENA premiere screening of Ameen for inviting him and his film to be part of surprise for me. winner of the EDA Foundation International Nayfeh’s 200 Meters. Nayfeh was invited the 4th edition, saying: “This award is a I would like to Artist in Motion Award. The award is an to the stage by GFF Artistic Director Amir surprise for me. I would like to thank GFF thank GFF and annual event that takes place in El Gouna Rames, to be joined by producer May Odeh and Mena Massoud. 200 Meters was only an Film Festival by EDA foundation, a non and editor Kamal El Mallakh. Due to his idea when I was here, in this festival, for the Mena Massoud profit organization. It was founded by the absence from the festival this year, Mena first time… and now, it is a film in the same Egyptian Canadian film star Mena Massoud Massoud announced the winner of the EDA festival’s Official Competition.” with the aim to support artists from foundation award through a recorded video. different nationalities. Monday, October 26, 2020

Festival Director Intishal Al Timimi Today Meet the filmmaker Cinema in Concert: Editor in Chief Red Carpet Notturno In Between Oasis Mohamed Kandil Doc.Competition Dying Narr. Competition A Salute to Charlie Chaplin Cast and Crew Guest (s) are attending Narr. Competition Guest (s) are attending Art Director of MICA, by the Producer: Guest (s) are attending Director: Ivan Ikic Ahmed Atef Megahed renowned French- Mohamed Al Daradji Director: Arena Moroccan film director Sea Cinema 2 Hilal Baydarov 9:30 p.m. Ismaël Ferroukhi will Editorial Manager 6:45 p.m. Sea Cinema 1 walk the red carpet Nahed Nasr 3:30 p.m. of the Festival Plaza today night as part 200 Meters of the MENA premiere of his film which from the director of Narr. Competition Editor SACRO GRA and FIRE AT SEA participates at the GFF Narrative Feature Guest (s) are attending Hani Mustafa a lm by Competition, and follows ten-year-old GIANFRANCO ROSI Tragic Jungle Director: Saïd who starts as a bag seller in souks, Out of Competition Copy Editing and before he moves to a totally different life Ameen Nayfeh Guest (s) are attending Translation and a changed destiny. Mica participated Producer: Actress: Amy Quotb in the 3rd edition of CineGouna May Odeh SpringBoard as a film in post-production, Indira Rubie Andrewin Editor: TUB

  21UNO FILM, STEMAL ENTERTAINMENT  RAI CINEMA -  -   LES FILMS DICI , ARTE FRANCE CINÉMA, NO NATION FILMS GH, and was the winner of GFF›s prize at the MIZZI STOCK ENTERTAINMENT -     DG CINEMA  AUDIOVISIVO – MIBACT -     ISTITUTO LUCE – CINECITTÀ Kamal El Mallakh      EURIMAGES -   GIANFRANCO ROSI -  JACOPO UADRI    FABRIZIO FEDERICO Head of Press     GIUSEPPE DEL VOLGO, SALAM SALMAN MEZAAL, HASSAN HAIDAR, GUEVARA NAMER -     STEFANO GROSSO   DONATELLA PALERMO, GIANFRANCO ROSI, PAOLO DEL BROCCO, SERGE LALOU, CAMILLE LAEMLÉ, ORWA NYRABIA, EVA-MARIA WEERTS ,      GIANFRANCO ROSI Office 7th Final Cut in Venice workshop. 3:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Ola El Shafey Bullet Points Graphic Team Al Haitham Nagdy Shorts Program 2 Nermin El Banaa Tomorrow marks the screening of the second group of GFF 4th Photographers edition’s short films (Shorts Program 2) which carries 5 film Mohamed Hamed screenings. Mostafa Abdelaty The program includes the world premiere of The Other Cheek, the debut from Egyptian film director Sandro Canaan. The program also showcases two films by Arab film directors: the world premiere of The Bath by Tunisian actress, producer, and director Anissa Daoud; and Roadblock by Lebanese director Sondos Tarek Dahlia Nemlich. Two films that premiered at prestigious SpringBoard Senior Coordinator international film festivals are also on tomorrow’s screening The Festival plaza stage is going to welcome the 3rd first feature-length by Charlie list: Moly Kane’s Sër Bi, which was selected in the Short Cuts • What was the most challenging part Programme of the 45th Toronto International Film Festival; edition of the GFF annual event, Cinema in Concert, Chaplin, and was recently restored for me this year as we prepared for and Georgi Unkovski’s Sticker, which was screened in the which pays homage to the timeless works of music by the Charlie Chaplin Foundation. the 4th edition of GFF? Not knowing Shorts Program of the 36th Sundance Film Festival. This is in that accompanied some of the most memorable Considered as one of the best- whether or not our guests would addition to Blue Frontier by Serbian director Ivan Milosavljević. films. This year, the festival introduces Cinema in known cinematic masterpieces of come this year; trying to understand Tomorrow’s short film screenings will take place at Sea Cinema Concert with a brand-new concept, perhaps the first all time, The Kid will be screened and find out the safest and most 1 at 2:30 p.m. of its kind in the Arab film festival scene, by showing on its 100th anniversary. efficient way to get our guests to El Charlie Chaplin’s film, The Kid (1921). The screening Gouna; and dealing with Covid-19 The concert will be performed updates everyday, and finding ways will be accompanied by a live orchestra led by famous tomorrow from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at around it to reassure our guests that Schedule Egyptian maestro, Ahmed El Saidi, playing the film’s the Festival Plaza stage. we will get them here no matter how score suite live during the show. The film was the challenging the procedures might be. • What is the key word that describes TRUE MOTHERS TRAGIC JUNGLE 200 METERS AND TOMORROW THE THE FURNACE Short film program 1 how we tackled this challenge? Sea Cinema 2 Audimax ( TU Berlin ) Grand Cinemas Hurghada ENTIRE WORLD Audimax (TU Berlin) SHAKWA - 14 min Meet the filmmaker “Patience.” 12:15 PM 3:15 PM 6:00 PM Tik Tok Arena 9:15 PM INFLUENCER - 18 min • What do I think now that the 4th 6:30 PM In Between edition is upon us? Excited to MARE NOSTRUM - 16 A Long Breath My Tender Doc.Competition Matador Dying experience this edition, as it›s very WIFE OF A SPY IN BETWEEN DYING MICA NOTTURNO 200 METERS min Narr. Competition Guest (s) are attending Out of Competition different from any other. All of our Guest (s) are attending Sea Cinema 1 Sea Cinema 1 Festival Plaza Sea Cinema 2 Sea Cinema 1 I AM AFRAID TO FORGET Director: Guest (s) are attending events this year are very low key YOUR FACE - 15 min Director : 12:30 PM 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:15 Remi Itani Rodrigo Sepulveda and outdoors; we offer some virtual Hilal Baydarov PEEL - 15 min Sea Cin 3 Urzua meetings and activities; and many TUB 3pm Actor: online guests are attending through DAYS OF SHORT FILM OASIS IBRAHIM THE TRUFFLE PLAY SCHENGEN - 15 6:00 p.m. min Leonardo Ortizgris our virtual app... so, let›s see how it CANNIBALISM PROGRAM 1 Audimax (TU Berlin) Sea Cinema 3 HUNTERS Acasa, My Home Sea Cinema2 Doc. Competition goes! Sea Cinema 3 Sea Cinema 2 6:30 PM 9:00 PM Sea Cinema 2 9:30pm Guest (s) are attending Hopper/Welles • What would I like to say to GFF 2:45 PM 3:45 PM 9:30 PM Director: Special Presentation audiences and guests? Thank you Radu Ciorniciuc for being a part of this. Without NEVER GONNA SNOW 33 WORDS ABOUT THE YEAR OF FURY IBRAHIM THE BIG HIT Guest (s) are attending Screenwriter: Producer: you, there wouldn›t be a platform AGAIN DESIGN Sea Cinema 1 Grand Cinemas Hurghada Tik Tok Arena Lina Vdovii Filip Jan Rymsza as special, fruitful and productive as Grand Cinemas Hurghada Sea Cinema 3 6:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM Sea Cinema 2 Sea Cinema 3 CineGouna Platform. 2 3:00 PM 5:45 PM 7pm 7:45pm 3 Monday, October 26, 2020

Farah Shaer, Director of Shakwa I Would Never Accept Self- Censorship

Ranya Yousif The story of the movie appears real, like it traditions and conservative ideals that are filled with prejudice and Shakwa is my fourth short film. However, actually happened… inequality, pushing them to lose control over their own bodies and and since the banning of the first, I their lives. These pressures are very apparent and the end result refrained from submitting any of the three It is inspired by several poignant true stories is: an overwhelming majority of women don’t start off on an equal that followed for the screening permit Mohamed Taymour, producer of I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face that took place in Lebanon, which I then standing with their male counterparts. Women in Lebanon--and in in Lebanon. Unfortunately, I don’t think weaved together so as to create Hoda’s the Arab world in general--are treated differently than men from the this film would ever get a clearance to be story. Hoda is a fictional character, but in her day they are born. played there, but I will surely try at some journey, we can find the stories and plight Sameh Alaa Tells Our Story point. The regime wants us to write films of many women. Marital rape and domestic In your point of view, who is to be blamed for violence against that fit within certain norms, and by state violence are one of many daily issues that women? Do you think is it a religious, or a social phenomenon? censorship, they tame dissenting artistic Nahed Nasr women in Lebanon have to face in their Religions, on a theological level, are not pro violence against women. voices into submission. In a way, they try struggle towards reclaiming their own I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face found its Fig Leaf provided all the services they have. In terms of distribution, marketing and However, most religions are patriarchal in their dogma and practices, to force artists into self-censorship, a very bodies from society’s ownership through way to Cannes, and so did Fifteen (2017), Mark Lotfy, the founder, is an extremely production, how do you view the position and in many ways, remain as one of the reasons why women find dangerous practice that slowly renders us prejudice and unjust laws. Alaa’s previous film, as it went to TIFF. flexible and cooperative professional. He of short films in the Egyptian film themselves in this situation today. They render such violence strangers to our own creations. I would What grants Sameh Alaa’s works such believed in Sameh and in the film. The name industry? Compared to the lady, the policeman was somehow “normal” as a way to “discipline” women and “control” never accept self-censorship, and if the film international recognition? of Fig Leaf was also very helpful during the were not to screen in Lebanon, I choose the The short film market--and not only in almost faceless most of the time. What them. Unfortunately, most people fail to realize how deeply they phase of seeking financing opportunities for ban over changing it. My film will still have a Sameh is a great, minimalistic storyteller Egypt--is not really getting its due justice was your intention with this? have gotten themselves into the trap of the political-religious the film. patriarchal establishment. life outside of the borders of Lebanon. who tends to tell a very basic story in an compared to feature-length films. Shorts The choice of not showing the policemen incredibly charming way. His treatments Would you tell us more about your need rich distribution opportunities which is a way to keep our focus in place, fully Your films tend to tackle what could be viewed as sensitive issues, What about your next step? are captivating, yet simple and humble. background as a producer, and how you can definitely help filmmakers make at immersing ourselves in Hoda’s psyche and especially in Lebanon where your stories take place. As a result, The short film I am currently in the early development He carries a clear vision and takes decisive choose the films that you produce? least a small profit. Finding interested inner journey. This choice stresses, in a you sometimes have a hard time with censorship. What are your stages of writing my first feature narrative market--and not actions that save time, energy and money, distributors in the region who are willing to hyperreal and absurd way, the injustices expectations regarding Shakwa? I’ve been working as a professional film film. only in Egypt--is yet he is also flexible and open to the take on this responsibility certainly is a vital reflected in the laws and bureaucratic producer for almost two years now. Before My struggle with censorship started when my undergrad thesis film, suggestions and contemplations of others. aspect. institutions, represented by this “faceless Is it harder for a female filmmaker in the not really getting that, I was an independent film director I Offered You Pleasure, was banned in Lebanon, after premiering in policeman”. The laws that are supposedly Middle East to make movies? What was the most challenging part in the and produced my own films. I come from How challenging is it to finance films in the Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival and the Busan Film Festival. its due justice there to protect and create equality and production journey? an engineering background, which I believe Egypt? Also how difficult is it to deal with This ban changed my life, but instead of becoming an obstacle, it I thinkit is hard for both genders to be compared to has a lot in common with film production. foreign partners/producers? justice, become tools of inequality and We luckily wrapped up in February 2020, ironically encouraged me to further pursue using art as a form of able to make films in the middle east, but Having been a film director myself, it is injustice, and a major enabler to Lebanon’s feature-length so we didn’t get affected by the pandemic, It’s very challenging! Especially that the cultural resistance. It also made me realize the crucial need of being for sure it is somehow harder for women. challenging to work on other people’s films, patriarchal society. except perhaps for the screening dates in field of international funds is extremely the clear, untamed and loud voice representing many, especially Social norms and constraints naturally films. but the important thing is how you--as a Cannes. The most challenging part was competitive. It is not easy to land an Women have always been the focus of your women, who--like me--feel entrapped in this deeply patriarchal make things harder for us, especially in the producer--will develop those works without the financing, because we were not fully international producer or partner and have films, since the release of your debut short society. absence of anti-discrimnation labor laws imposing a director›s input onto them. With aware of where exactly the budget would them on board. And although foreign as a director. From I Offered You Pleasure that can affect gender-related issues in the that said, I will also keep directing my own be coming from. However, with the help of partners are important to widen your (2011), to the award-winning Obedience workplace. movies. As for choosing a film to produce, our dedicated crew members--and other chances of achieving international funding, (2017) and Faces in the Sun (2019), all I know that I need to become emotionally How do you evaluate having the world alternative ways of financing--we finally I can’t claim that it’s not a risky endeavor in the way to Soukoon (2019), and the most invested. The way the story is being told, premiere of Shakwa at GFF? managed to secure the budget within a its own right. recent Shakwa. What are you trying to the storyteller, and the film director are all short time frame. accomplish? Since its inception four years ago, GFF just as important to me as the essence of What are your next steps as a producer and has proven to be a key film festival in the There are so many untold, yet painful stories It is hard for This is actor Seif Hemeda’s first film, the tale itself. film director? MENA region, supporting regional talents, that can resonate universally, and that come and he was incredibly expressive in his both genders both locally and internationally. I’m looking Sameh Alaa is obsessed with the teenage I intend to continue producing short films directly from the struggles of women’s performance. How did you help develop his forward to discussing the film with the years and the young Egyptian generation. in 2021. In addition, I am currently working daily lives. Although everyone in Lebanon is to be able to skills for the role? festival’s audience in Egypt, especially Do you think that, in a way, he is trying to with Sameh Alaa on his feature I Can Hear generally oppressed by the corrupt regime make films in knowing the similarities shared by both the Seif was the bliss of this film; he approached represent your generation? Your Voice, which I am also producing with in place, women are even more vulnerable Egyptian and Lebanese cultures with regard us through a casting agency and it was Mark Lotfy. As a director, I am currently to this regime, due to the fact that they the Middle East, To me personally, teenagers in Sameh’s to the topic of the film. obvious that he was a very promising talent. working on my second short fiction. are underrepresented in power, and their films are one of the most appealing a film by Farah Shaer but for sure Sameh intensively worked with him on the elements. I do see myself in his characters, voice is subdued by laws that discriminate social norms role, and he has proven to be very flexible. How do you evaluate having the MENA and I feel as though Sameh is telling our against their basic human rights and their We sort of gambled on his performance, but premiere of I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face and constraints story. His films are laden with questions and freedom of choice. From patriarchal custody apparently... we won. at El Gouna Film Festival? ways of exploring opportunities. Working laws, to withholding their right to pass on naturally make citizenship to their children, to legalized How rewarding was your cooperation with with him is an adventure of explorations, It’s a great pleasure to be part of GFF. It’s marital rape; women are in a constant things harder for Fig Leaf as an established film production and yes, for sure, his films do reflect me such a powerful, beautiful festival with struggle against this unfavorable social house in the independent scene in Egypt? personally in a sense. great worldwide exposure. We were truly women happy with the news, and beyond excited to contract. In addition to laws, society puts SHAKWA A FILM BY FARAH SHAER STARRING VANESSA MGHAMES JEAN PAUL HAGE HUSSEIN HIJAZI LUCIEN BOURJEILY CINEMATOGRAPHY JULIEN KAI PRODUCTION DESIGNER MARIA KARKAS SOUND ENGINEER/DESIGNER HAITHAM ATME 1ST AC AMIN SHAMSEDINE 4 finally premiere the film in Egypt. a lot of pressure on women to conform to 2ND AC RAMY HANKACHE SFX FAYROUZ FTOUNI COLORIST JAD BEYROUTHY PRODUCED BY LUCIEN BOURJEILY WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY FARAH SHAER 5 Monday, October 26, 2020 A Conversation with “Sisters in Film” Ali Fazal Launches at the 4th Edition of GFF!

Menna Al-Wassal Rania Yousif On the third day of El Gouna Film Festival, the more roles he plays in different movies, As part of GFF’s mission to support the choosing the best in terms of sending my a panel discussion was held to introduce the more an actor faces challenges, and endeavors of empowering women-- films, as I lacked the experience in regards international Indian actor, Ali Fazal. The that only the truly passionate manage to especially filmmakers--the TUP Garden, to communicating with other filmmakers session was chaired by Ali Fazal and succeed. one of the festival’s venues, witnessed in the Arab world. This is exactly what our moderated by Raman Chawla, Indian actor today the announcement of the Women in platform is all about; communication and Festival Consultant, and Bushra Rozza, Co- Ali Fazal was born in Mumbai in 1986, and Films (Rawiyat) initiative launching. The making information available in a one stop founder and Chief Operations and Foreign earned his degree in economics from Xavier event took place in the presence of some of shop.” Relations Officer at GFF. University. His artistic career began when the initiative founding members: Algerian he came across the works of Shakespeare, director Lina Soualem; Egyptian director Egyptian filmmaker Kawthar Younis At the discussion, Fazal emphasized the marking the start of his pursuit of an acting Kawthar Younes; Palestinian-Jordanian said that the “Rawiyat” initiative brings importance of women’s role in any society, career. Fazal made his Bollywood debut director Dina Nasser; and Algerian-French female filmmakers together from different and his belief in empowering them and with a special appearance in 3 Idiots (2009) filmmaker Dorothée-Myriam Kellou, in countries of the Middle East and North supporting their rights. He explained that it followed by Fukrey (2013) with his friend which they introduced the mission and goals Africa, with the aim of creating a new is a concept instilled in him by his mother Richa Chadda, who co-starred in the films. of their initiative. scene on a regional and global level. “We who believed in women›s power, as well as Fazal also starred in the 10-episode series established our platform, and of course we his friend Richa Chadda, who became one of King of Mirzapur, which streams exclusively Director Dina Nasser said that it is very want other women to join us.” the prominent female activists supporting on Amazon Prime. The second season of the important that El Gouna Film Festival hosts Dorothée-Myriam Kellou concluded the women›s rights. show was launched on October 23rd. the launching of “Sisters in Film”, saying, “We are 9 film directors from the Arab world conversation by saying: “Filmmakers need On the other hand, Bushra expressed her As for Hollywood, Fazal starred in the and diaspora, collaborating to produce films; funding and strong support to join festivals great admiration for the actor›s work and his British-American film Victoria & Abdul hopefully, our 9 movies, in collaboration and have their work featured. Currently, we support for women and their rights. (2017), which depicts the relationship with each other.” have nothing but El Gouna Film Festival, between Queen Victoria of the United which gives us a great start. However, we When asked about Egyptian cinema, Fazal Kingdom and her Indian servant Abdul Director Lina Soualem expressed her have to keep working on more partnerships admitted that although he doesn’t master Karim. happiness to show her first film as part of and proving our presence in other festivals. Arabic language, he is still a big fan of the the Feature Documentary Competition of El We try to exist in our way to express international Egyptian actor Omar Sharif. He Fazal’s latest Hollywood film, Death on the Gouna Film Festival, saying: “I was having ourselves.” also expressed his happiness and gratitude Nile, will be screened in December 2020. problems communicating with festivals, or to attend the El Gouna Film Festival, and his Adapted from Agatha Christie›s novel of the interest in participating in Egyptian films. same name, the events of the film revolve around a mystery murder that takes place Offering an answer to another question, on board of a ship in the Nile River. Fazal stated that acting is hard work, and

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Children Matter On the Sidelines of the 4th Edition of El Bullet Points Gouna Film Festival: On its 3rd Day, CineGouna Discusses the Cause of iProductions Announces the Refugee Children Production of a Series of 5

Nada Saad Novels by Naguib Mahfouz Siza Zayed, The third day of the fourth edition of El Gouna Film Festival CineGouna Bridge Manager witnessed a panel that was moderated by the well-known media presenter Raya Abirached, with the participation of professor Karim Atassi, representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Rania Youssef • Wthe 4th edition of GFF? Trying Refugees in Egypt and the League of Arab States; ambassador Dr. to have a programmer who is not IProductions announced yesterday evening, Haifa Abu Ghazaleh Assistant Secretary General and Head of Social affected by the limitations of on the sidelines of the El Gouna Film Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States; engineer Noura Selim, Covid-19. Festival, its cooperation with director Tamer Executive Director of the Sawiris Foundation For Social Development; Mohsen and screenwriter Maryam Naoum Syrian actress Kinda Alloush; in addition to the virtual participation • What is the key word that describes to produce a new series. The project merges of Lebanese director Nadine Labaki. how we tackled this challenge? five of Naguib Mahfouz›s most famous “Physical & Virtual.” During the discussion, Dr. Abu Ghazaleh said that the League of novels into one series under the title «Cairo» Arab States is working hard to draw a comprehensive plan to assist to be ready for showing in 2022. • What do I think now that the 4th refugee children, along with working on a children’s parliament to edition is upon us? I feel so proud The series, which will be based on the train them on the diplomatic lifestyle. novels of Cairo Modern; The Thief and the that GFF happened, regardless of “The Arab Region contains the largest number of refugees, especially Dogs; The Road; Adrift on the Nile; and the challenges. Egypt, which hosts more than 85,000 refugee children, 4,000 of Karnak, consists of several seasons, with an What would I like to say to GFF average of 8 episodes per season, and will • which have arrived without their parents, rendering them the most audiences and guests? I would difficult cases, for they have lost everything—the country and the be aired on one of the prominent streaming like to welcome all the guests and family,” explained professor Atassi. platforms. audiences of GFF, and encourage Engineer Noura Selim stated that, “80% of married women face The meeting was attended by iProductions them to enjoy attending an violence from their spouses,” adding that violence against women CEO, Ahmed Fahmy; engineer Naguib interesting wide selection of is as important as violence against children, since it inevitably leads Sawiris; actress Bushra Rozza; screenwriter CineGouna Bridge sessions, to familial dysfunction. She also added that the Sawiris Foundation Mariam Naoum; director Tamer Mohsen; masterclasses and panels... and to for Social Development collaborates with several NGOs with aims to director Amr Salama; director of El Gouna definitely have a good time at GFF! support children through the aid of specialized experts, calling for Film Festival, Intishal Al Timimi; among the child›s right to play and feel safe. other stars. Syrian actress Kinda Alloush highlighted the importance of using social media to raise awareness about the cause of refugee children, urging the UN to raise further awareness on the idea of volunteer work, especially amongst younger generations. Director Nadine Labaki concluded the panel discussion by highlighting the importance of cinema as a tool to shed light on the issue of violence against women and children. A protocol was signed between the UNHCR and GFF to raise awareness on the refugee cause, pledging to utilize all El Gouna Film Festival platforms to help engage high-profile supporters and goodwill ambassadors from all over the world.

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