El Gouna Film Festival, on Egypt's Red Sea coast, launches its ninth edition on 15 October and runs until 23 October. The opening film, screening on 16 October, is a French comedy: "All About Corinne", directed by Marc Fitoussi.
Its subject speaks directly to performers. Isabelle Huppert plays Corinne Maclou, a background actress convinced her big break is just around the corner. After a chance encounter she strikes up an unlikely friendship with an established star, played by Sandrine Kiberlain, while trying to win acceptance in the French film industry. Fitoussi describes it as a film about perseverance, in which anyone who has faced rejection can see themselves. Artistic director Andrew Mohsen expects its behind-the-scenes look at the business to appeal to professionals and film lovers alike.
Held under the banner "Cinema for Humanity", this year's festival also honours Egyptian actress Mona Zaki with a career achievement award. Its industry arm, CineGouna, adds a first strand dedicated to series in development from the Arab world, alongside talks on artificial intelligence and a programme for emerging talent.
Over eight days of screenings, panels and special events, El Gouna confirms its place as one of the autumn's key gatherings for Arab and African cinema.
