Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival has appointed Andrew Mohsen as its new artistic director for the fest’s ninth edition, which will run Oct. 15-23.
Mohsen will replace Egyptian filmmaker Marianne Khoury, who stepped down as El Gouna chief in February after heading three editions. The prominent Arab event is held in a seaside resort near the tourist town of Hurghada, 250 miles south of Cairo.
Mohsen, who joined the El Gouna fest as a senior programmer in 2023 and was promoted to head of programming in 2024, is a well-respected Arab critic and festival programmer who has previously worked as chief programmer for the Cairo International Film Festival and held other prominent positions, including artistic director of the Ismailia International Film Festival and of the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival.
“I am delighted to see Andrew take on this leadership role,” said Amr Mansi, who is El Gouna’s co-founder and executive director. “Appointing him as artistic director reflects our confidence in his vision and our commitment to the future of Egyptian and international cinema.”
Commented Mohsen: “I have followed the journey of the El Gouna Film Festival since its inception, first as a critic, then as an industry professional, and as part of the team. Today, I am honored to take on the role of artistic director at a pivotal stage, as the festival approaches its ninth edition. My main goal will be to maintain the festival’s success and expand its scope, ensuring its continued role as a major bridge between Arab and international cinema.”
The fest, which was launched in 2017 by Egyptian telecom billionaire Naguib Sawiris — whose brother Samih built the El Gouna resort — has had its ups and downs, but is now firmly on the international map.
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