Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival has appointed Andrew Mohsen as the new artistic director of its 9th edition, which will be held from October 15th to 23rd.
Mohsen replaces Egyptian filmmaker Marianne Khoury, who resigned as El Gouna chief in February after three stints as editor-in-chief. The prestigious Arab event will be held at a seaside resort near the tourist city of Hurghada, 400 miles south of Cairo.
Ms. Mohsen, who joined El Gouna Festival in 2023 as Senior Programmer and was promoted to Head of Programming in 2024, is a highly regarded Arab critic and festival programmer, previously serving as Chief Programmer of the Cairo International Film Festival and holding other notable positions including Artistic Director of the Ismailia International Film Festival and the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival.
“We are pleased to see Andrew take on this leadership role,” said Amr Mansi, co-founder and executive director of El Gouna. “His appointment as artistic director reflects our confidence in his vision and our commitment to the future of Egyptian and international cinema.”
Director Mohsen said: “I have followed the El Gouna Film Festival since its inception, first as a critic, then as an industry expert, and then as a member of the team. I am honored to take on the role of Art Director. My main goals are to maintain the festival’s success, expand its scope and ensure its continued role as a key bridge between Arab and international cinema.”
Launched in 2017 by Egyptian telecoms billionaire Naguib Sawiris (whose brother Sami built the El Gouna resort), the fest has had its ups and downs, but is now firmly on the international map.
