DUBAI: Egypt’s long-awaited El Gouna Film Festival began on Thursday after twice being postponed due to the “distressing circumstances” in Gaza.
The sixth edition of the event, in collaboration with the Palestinian Film Institute, is dedicated to Palestinian cinema.
The stars on the red carpet were dressed in subtle hues of black, white and silver. Among those spotted on opening night were Passant Shawky, Mohamed Farrag, Ola Roshdy, Jamila Awad, Mahmoud Hemida, Heidy Karam, Ahmed Hatem, Ahmad Dash, Yasmin Raeis, Saba Mubarak and Hany Ramzy.
The Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna, who wore a white, form-fitting lace gown, performed her song “Olive Trees” in honor of her homeland.
Egyptian singer-songwriter Abu also took to the stage to pay a heartfelt tribute to Palestine by singing “The World is Blind.” He wore a black suit with a coat and had a keffiyeh tied around his waist.
Egyptian film director Marwan Hamed received a lifetime achievement award, presented by renowned actress and singer Yousra, during the opening ceremony. With a career spanning more than two decades, Hamed’s work includes “The Yacoubian Building,” “Ibrahim Labyad,” “Kira W El Gin” and “The Blue Elephant.”
