Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival has announced the third cohort of its CineGouna Emerge program, a curated initiative designed to nurture and showcase emerging cinematic talent from across the Arab world. This year’s selection features five promising individuals, each bringing a unique perspective and skillset to the program.
The Chenab Times has learned that the selected talents include Egyptian director Abdallah Dnewar, Saudi Arabian writer-director Razan AlSoghayer, Palestinian filmmaker Omar Rammal, Palestinian Jordanian director-producer Asmahan Bkerat, and Syrian DoP, editor, and director Rama Abdi. These filmmakers represent a diverse range of backgrounds and creative disciplines, underscoring the program’s commitment to fostering a broad spectrum of Arab voices in cinema.
The CineGouna Emerge program, launched with the aim of identifying and supporting promising filmmakers, provides participants with a platform to further develop their projects and network with industry professionals. While the exact details of the 2026 cohort’s specific projects were not immediately available, the program typically focuses on film development and mentorship.
Abdallah Dnewar, an Egyptian director, joins the cohort with a vision shaped by his national cinema. Razan AlSoghayer, hailing from Saudi Arabia, brings her expertise as a writer-director, contributing to the burgeoning narrative landscape of the region. Palestinian filmmaker Omar Rammal is recognized for his contributions to cinema from his homeland. Asmahan Bkerat, a director and producer of Palestinian Jordanian origin, adds a dual perspective to the group. Rounding out the selection is Syrian DoP, editor, and director Rama Abdi, whose multifaceted skills highlight the technical and artistic breadth of emerging talent.
The El Gouna Film Festival, located in Egypt, has established itself as a significant platform for Arab and international cinema. The CineGouna Emerge program is an integral part of the festival’s mission to cultivate the next generation of filmmakers, offering them crucial support in the early stages of their careers. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between emerging talent and the global film industry, providing access to workshops, one-on-one meetings, and networking opportunities.
Previous editions of CineGouna Emerge have successfully launched the careers of various filmmakers, enabling them to complete their projects and gain international recognition. The program’s success is measured not only by the completion of films but also by the sustained careers of its alumni within the competitive film industry. The selection process is rigorous, drawing from a large pool of applicants who demonstrate exceptional promise and a clear artistic vision.
The inclusion of individuals like Rama Abdi, who possesses expertise in cinematography, editing, and directing, signifies the program’s appreciation for comprehensive filmmaking skills. Similarly, the presence of director-producers like Asmahan Bkerat highlights the evolving role of filmmakers in managing projects from conception to completion. The festival’s commitment to supporting diverse narrative forms, whether through writing, directing, or visual storytelling, is evident in the composition of this year’s cohort.
The broader impact of the CineGouna Emerge program extends beyond individual career advancement; it contributes to the diversification and enrichment of Arab cinema on a global scale. By empowering these emerging talents, El Gouna Film Festival plays a vital role in shaping the future of storytelling from the region, fostering innovation and artistic excellence.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
