The El Gouna Film Festival has unveiled its “Official Selection – Out of Competition” lineup, spotlighting movies that will screen as special presentations during this year’s edition.
Featuring a mix of acclaimed international directors and emerging regional voices, this year’s lineup signals a bold and varied cinematic scope. Out of the 24 films selected, below are some of the standout titles to look out for at the El Gouna Film Festival 2025.
La Grazia (The Grace) — Italy, by Paolo Sorrentino
President Mariano De Santis, nearing the end of his term, faces intense moral dilemmas over pardons and euthanasia, while reconciling with personal guilt and faith.
Happy Birthday — Egypt, by Sara Johar
An 8-year-old maid in Cairo plans a birthday party for her employer’s daughter, exposing class divides and the fragility of childhood amid social inequality. Notably, Happy Birthday will be the opening film of the festival.
It Was Just an Accident — Iran / France / Luxembourg, by Jafar Panahi
After what appears to be a minor accident, a man believes the driver is his former torturer — and assembles victims to unmask a shared past of violence and memory.
Sirât — France, Spain, by Oliver Laxe
A father and son search for their missing daughter amid Morocco’s desert raves, where fading hope and blaring music drive them toward one final, soul-testing journey.
Frankenstein — USA, by Guillermo del Toro
A brilliant yet arrogant scientist gives life to a creature through a horrific experiment — an act that ultimately destroys both the creator and his doomed creation.
Blue Moon — US, Ireland by Richard Linklater
Follows Lorenz Hart’s battle with alcoholism and mental illness as he struggles to maintain his composure during the premiere of ‘Oklahoma!’
Love Imagined — Egypt, by Sara Rozik
El Gouna Film Festival is set to host the world premiere of Love Imagined, a feature that carries special weight, since it is Sara Rozik’s film debut.
Burning Dust — Kurdistan, by Ebraheem Saeedi
A climate-driven narrative set against shifting landscapes, competing for Gouna’s Green Star as a film with environmental urgency.
Made in EU — Bulgaria, Germany, Czech, by Stephan Komandarev
When a factory worker in rural Bulgaria becomes the town’s first Covid case, she’s met with fear and hostility, facing growing isolation from her community as the virus spreads.
Lowland Kids — US / Denmark / UK, by Sandra Winther
A documentary about children in low-lying regions facing climate change and flooding, highlighting the human impact of the environmental crisis.
Seeds — US, by Brittany Shyne
A profound look at Black generational farmers, exploring the struggles of preserving their legacy and the enduring significance of land ownership.
Bringing together international names and local filmmakers, the festival highlights a mix of perspectives and styles. More than just screenings, the selection reflects El Gouna’s steady role in connecting Egyptian cinema with a wider audience.
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