El Gouna Film Festival's 8th Edition Tackles Global Food Security Challenges

The El Gouna Film Festival, in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), passionately dedicated its eighth edition to tackling one of the most urgent challenges facing our global community today: food security. The festival's opening night, perfectly timed with World Food Day (16 October), kicked off a week of vibrant events aimed at shining a light on the relentless struggle against food insecurity.

This collaboration marks the beginning of a profound and long-term partnership between GFF and the United Nations in Egypt, with each forthcoming festival edition set to embrace a unique developmental theme, igniting hope and inspiring change.

"Food security transcends mere policy discourse; it embodies a deeply human narrative that resonates within us all. We firmly believe that art possesses the transformative power to reshape perceptions and cultivate empathy," expressed Jean-Pierre de Margerie, WFP Representative and Country Director in Egypt. "Through this partnership, we beckon filmmakers and audiences alike to confront the stark realities of food security and resilience; the fight against hunger must echo on screens, within narratives, and throughout the collective consciousness of society."

Attendees at the opening night were greeted with hand fans adorned with heartfelt artwork created by children from vulnerable communities supported by WFP, alongside a symbolic pin featuring motifs of bread, wheat, and film, worn proudly by celebrities and industry leaders as a visible expression of solidarity and commitment to this crucial cause.

"Our collaboration with the World Food Programme signifies a natural evolution of our shared belief in the power of storytelling to drive social change," stated Amr Mansi, Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival. "The theme of food security this year was not merely symbolic; it served as a clarion call to action, reminding us that art and cinema are vital vehicles for fostering positive transformation and inspiring hope."

To bring the festival's theme to life, WFP and GFF orchestrated an array of engaging activities throughout the event.

The "Eish" short film competition, named after the Arabic term denoting both bread and life, returned for its second edition. This competition, led by WFP Egypt, GFF, and Zest, invited filmmakers from across the region to submit innovative concepts that delve into the themes of food security and resilience. The winning project was awarded production support in the subsequent year, transforming compelling narratives into impactful short films that resonate deeply with audiences.

At the heart of the GFF pavilion, an interactive installation offered visitors an immersive experience, showcasing bread as a fundamental global staple and emblem of food security. This installation aimed to deepen public understanding of food security while illustrating how WFP collaborates with vulnerable communities to achieve sustainable solutions that uplift lives.

In partnership with El Gouna City, a charity cycling marathon was organized, with proceeds directed towards supporting WFP’s vital operations in Egypt. For every kilometer cycled,

El Gouna City committed to supporting WFP's initiatives in the country, promoting a sense of community and collective effort.

During that significant week, by highlighting food security, GFF and WFP aimed to spark conversation and motivate actions that could lead to a more food-secure future for everyone, reminding us that together, we can build a world where no one experiences hunger.