Each year, the El Gouna Film Festival brings together some of the most influential voices in cinema to shape its vision and deepen its global impact. The 2025 edition is no different, with an International Advisory Board that bridges Arab cinema, Hollywood, and world cinema. From actors and directors to producers and cultural leaders, these names represent not just talent but also experience and perspective. Here’s a look at this year’s board members:
Youssra
One of the Arab world’s most iconic actresses, the Egyptian silver-screen legend has been a trailblazer for decades, shaping Egyptian and regional cinema with her powerful performances and cultural influence.
Intishal Al-Timimi
The festival’s former director, the Iraqi actor, is a veteran of Arab cinema and international programming, with decades of experience connecting regional talent to global audiences.
Yousry Nasrallah
An Egyptian director celebrated for his daring, layered storytelling, Nasrallah’s films often explore Egypt’s social and political fabric with nuance and artistry.
Hend Sabry
A Tunisian-Egyptian actress with an acclaimed career across Arab cinema, Hend Sabry is known for her versatility, tackling both socially driven roles and mainstream successes.
Tarak Ben Ammar
A heavyweight Tunisian-French film producer whose work has bridged Europe, Hollywood, and the Arab world, Ben Ammar has left his mark on international film industries.
Abderrahmane Sissako
The Mauritanian director behind the award-winning Timbuktu, Sissako is one of Africa’s most important cinematic voices, blending artistry with political urgency.
Forest Whitaker
The American Academy Award-winning actor, director, and activist, Whitaker has combined an extraordinary career in film with global humanitarian work.
Hiam Abbass
A Palestinian actress and director, Hiam Abbass has built a remarkable career across Arab cinema and Hollywood, known for her commanding presence on screen.
Margarethe von Trotta
German actress, writer, and director, von Trotta is a central figure in European cinema, recognized for her politically engaged and human-centered films.
Mohamad Malas
A pioneering Syrian director, Malas has chronicled his country’s struggles and dreams through deeply personal, poetic films.
Atiq Rahimi
The Afghan-born director and writer, winner of the Prix Goncourt, Rahimi brings literary and cinematic depth to stories of exile, identity, and resilience.
Marwan Hamed
One of Egypt’s most acclaimed contemporary directors, Hamed has been at the forefront of shaping modern Egyptian cinema with ambitious, visually striking films.
A Global Constellation
The 2025 advisory board reflects the breadth of cinema’s reach—from Hollywood stars to Arab trailblazers, African auteurs, and European pioneers. Together, they bring not just expertise, but a shared belief in cinema’s power to connect cultures, challenge ideas, and tell the stories that matter.
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