Having recently announced the dates of the 6th El Gouna Film Festival (October 10th– 20th), the organisers have now revealed the name of the new artistic director: Egyptian producer/director Marianne Khoury.
Her appointment will help the festival increase its support for Arab and Egyptian film-makers. Following the announcement, Mrs Khoury said she will “expand the reach of sponsorship, support and training workshops to discover and nurture young talents across all facets of film-making.”
Festival director Intishal Al Timimi recalled the ties between the festival and Mrs Khoury: “It’s a strong relationship which has blossomed over the past five editions of the festival. From participating on the documentary film jury to her role as a producer and her frequent contributions to the CineGouna platform, Mme. Khoury’s involvement has been instrumental.”
Born in Cairo, Marianne Khoury collaborated for almost 30 years with director Youssef Chahine. In 1984 she created MISR International, a production company still functioning today, with which she produces documentary and drama films. In 1999 she began directing, making the documentary Le Temps de Laura, in which she retraced the daily life of the Italian-Egyptian dancer, Laura Laurella. Her second documentary Women Who Loved Cinema (2002), looks at female Egyptian directors who, in the 1920’s and 1930’s, broke cultural taboos. Through her films she shows a particular interest in women’s work and protests. She is also known for opening Egypt’s first art cinema, the Zawya.
Sources: Broadcast Pro, Film Documentaire
