A curated selection of 14 GFF films will be screened at Zawya Cinema starting October 27th.
For a second year, El Gouna Film Festival is partnering with Downtown Cairo’s Zawya Cinema to screen 14 selected festival films to the Cairene public. The festival’s collaboration with Zawya is part of a larger effort to make the Festival’s immense curation accessible to the general public without the need for physical attendance at the Festival in El Gouna. This year’s Zawya selection includes a broad range of international films hailing from Algeria, France, China and the Netherlands.
“We are thrilled to see the festival's impact extending beyond El Gouna, reinforcing its goals of reaching a diverse audience,” Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director at El Gouna Film Festival, tells CairoScene. “For the second consecutive year, we are showcasing a mini-version of the GFF programme at Zawya Cinema in Cairo, in tandem with their screening in El Gouna.”
Zawya Cinema is a leading Downtown Cairo arthouse cinema, and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
El Gouna Film Festival is taking place from October 24th to November 1st, with a curated selection of 14 films to be screened at Zawya Cinema starting October 27th.
Three Days of Fish | The Netherlands, Belgium
Directed by Peter Hoogendoorn
October 27th, 7 PM
The Dutch dramedy film ‘Three Days of Fish’ sees Gerrie return to Rotterdam for annual health check-ups, reuniting with his emotionally distant adult son, Dick. Set over three days, the film explores their fragile relationship through shared meals and mundane tasks, revealing the unspoken complexities of father-son bonds. Ton Kas and Guido Pollemans deliver raw performances that highlight their characters' vulnerabilities. Premiering at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where both actors won Best Actor, the film invites audiences to reflect on the fleeting nature of time with loved ones and the profound connections hidden beneath the surface. The film stars Ton Kas, Guido Pollemans, Line Pillet, Neidi Dos Santos Livramento, Adison Dos Reis, Peter Bolhuis, Loes Schnepper, Bianca Krijgsman and Joop Kasteel.
The Substance | France, UK
Directed by Coralie Fargeat
October 27th, 9:30 PM
In ‘The Substance’, Demi Moore stars as Elizabeth, a beloved aerobics star who faces a devastating blow when she’s fired on her 50th birthday. Struggling to regain her confidence, she’s unexpectedly presented with a groundbreaking substance that promises to transform her into a better version of herself. As Elizabeth navigates the highs and lows of this new opportunity, she must confront her past and redefine what it truly means to be vibrant and authentic at any age. The film stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid.
Soundtrack to a Coup D’etat | Belgium, France, The Netherlands
Directed by Johan Grimonprez
October 28th at 7 PM
‘Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat’ is a documentary that uncovers the surprising role of jazz music in US Cold War diplomacy while exposing the covert operations that destabilised the Congo. Premiering at Sundance and awarded for its cinematic innovation, the film intertwines historical footage and political analysis with a powerful jazz soundtrack. It traces the fallout from the 1965 Suez Canal crisis to the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first democratically elected leader, juxtaposing his tragic fate with US jazz tours that served as a cover for CIA activities. The documentary features jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone.
Crickets, It’s Your Turn | France, Kazakhstan
Directed by Olga Korotko
October 28th at 10 PM
‘Crickets, It’s Your Turn’ unfolds in the stunning yet treacherous landscape of Almaty, following Merey, a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when she meets the charming Nurlan. What begins as an innocent birthday celebration in the mountains quickly spirals into a night of tension and confrontation. Director Korotko crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere, exploring themes of violence, ethical dilemmas, and social injustice. As Merey transforms from a passive observer to an active participant in a dangerous game, the film delves into class disparities within Kazakh society.
Mistress Dispeller | China, USA
Directed by Elizabeth Lo
October 29th at 7 PM
When a desperate woman hires Wang Zhenxi, a “mistress dispeller,” to break up her husband's affair, a complex game of manipulation begins. Teacher Wang skillfully infiltrates the family, becoming a confidante to both the cheating spouse and his mistress, all while orchestrating a plan to restore the couple’s marriage. Through intimate close-ups and sweeping urban landscapes, the film paints a captivating psychological portrait of love, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to reclaim a relationship, revealing a rarely explored facet of Chinese society.
Cloud | Japan
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
October 29th at 9:30 PM
In ‘Cloud’, Ryōsuke Yoshii, a factory worker disillusioned with conventional success, embraces his alter ego, Ratel, to thrive in the online marketplace. Fueled by the thrill of buying low and selling high, he escapes the mundane life his boss offers. As his business flourishes and he relocates with his girlfriend, Akiko, trouble brews when Yoshii hires the enigmatic Sano. Unknown to him, a wave of online hate spirals into real-world violence, revealing the dark side of human emotions unleashed by the internet. ‘Cloud’ explores the disturbing intersection of digital desire and reality, transforming greed and jealousy into a gripping thriller that challenges our perceptions of choice and control in the modern world.
My Everything | France
Directed by Anne-Sophie Bailly
October 30th at 7 PM
In ‘My Everything’, aesthetician Mona faces an emotional upheaval when she learns her son Joel, who has an intellectual disability, is expecting a child with Océane, a woman with similar challenges. As both families grapple with the implications of this unexpected news, Mona's doubts about her son's ability to be a father clash with Joel's determined desire to start a family. While trying to navigate her own new relationship with a Belgian man, Mona finds herself torn between maternal instinct and the need to reclaim her identity. The film offers a sensitive exploration of love, autonomy, and societal perceptions of disability, balancing humour and heartache as it examines what it means to embrace life's complexities.
Algiers | Algeria, France, Tunisia, Canada
Directed by Chakib Taleb Bendiab
October 30th at 9:30 PM
‘Algiers’ is a journey through post-Black Decade Algeria, intertwining social critique with thrilling storytelling. When a young girl is kidnapped in a tense neighbourhood, the community is torn between vengeful impulses and the quest for justice led by investigator Sami. As psychologist Dounia delves deeper into the case, she uncovers links to a disturbing series of child abductions from the late 1990s, all while battling male discrimination in her field. With its multi-angle cinematography and dynamic action, ‘Algiers’ not only captivates with its gripping narrative but also reflects on the scars of a tumultuous past, showcasing a new generation's struggle to redefine their identity and future amidst lingering shadows.
Souleymane’s Story | France
Directed by Boris Lojkine
October 31st at 7 PM
‘48 Hours’ follows Souleymane, an undocumented migrant from Guinea, as he prepares for a life-changing asylum hearing while working as a food delivery courier in Paris. Played by first-time actor Abou Sangare, Souleymane faces exploitation and indifference from those around him, yet he remains determined to retain his humanity. As he navigates the city's bustling streets, he finds fleeting moments of joy and connection with fellow migrants.
The Room Next Door | Spain, USA
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
October 31st at 9:30 PM
In ‘The Room Next Door’, Tilda Swinton stars as Martha, a seasoned war correspondent, as she faces her toughest battle yet - cancer. As she confronts her diagnosis, she turns to her old friend Ingrid (Julianne Moore) for support in her final days. While Martha’s estranged daughter remains emotionally distant, Ingrid steps in, providing a poignant connection as time slips away. The film explores themes of friendship, mortality, and memory, transitioning from rich dialogues and flashbacks to a minimalist, reflective space where emotions run deep without excessive exposition. With a score by Alberto Iglesias, The Room Next Door captures the essence of enduring love and loss.
Caught by the Tides | China
Directed by Jia Zhang-Ke
November 1st at 7 PM
In ‘Caught by the Tides’, director Jia Zhangke weaves an intimate yet expansive love story spanning over two decades in China. Centred on Qiaoqiao and Bin, whose passionate romance blossoms in the early 2000s amidst the vibrant backdrop of Datong, the film captures their joy in singing and dancing together. However, when Bin abruptly leaves for bigger opportunities, Qiaoqiao embarks on a heartfelt quest to find him. Reuniting 21 years later, their story unfolds alongside the transformation of Datong from a coal-mining town to a symbol of China's rapid economic change.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig | Iran, Germany, France
Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof
November 1st at 9:30 PM
In ‘The Missing Gun’, Iman, an investigating judge in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, is engulfed in a web of paranoia and mistrust as nationwide protests ignite tensions throughout the city. When a service weapon mysteriously vanishes, Iman’s suspicions turn inward, targeting his wife and daughters in a desperate attempt to restore control. As he imposes increasingly drastic measures at home, the fragile boundaries of family loyalty and personal integrity are pushed to their breaking point. A psychological drama, Iman’s struggle for authority unfolds against a backdrop of societal unrest, forcing him to confront the true nature of trust and the consequences of his actions.
Girls Will Be Girls | USA, Norway, France, India
Directed by Shuchi Talati
November 2nd at 7 PM
‘Girls Will Be Girls’ tells the story of 16-year-old Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), a dedicated student with dreams of perfect grades, until she meets Sri (Kesav Binoy Kiron). As she navigates the excitement and challenges of first love, her focus shifts from academics to the emotional currents of young romance. Director Shuchi Talati’s debut feature is an exploration of adolescence, love, and the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters. The film premiered at the World Dramatic Competition at Sundance.
The Last Showgirl | USA
Directed by Gia Coppola
November 2nd at 9:30 PM
‘The Last Showgirl’ stars Pamela Anderson in the lead, playing a seasoned performer facing an unexpected turning point in her life. After 30 years on stage, her beloved show suddenly closes, forcing her to confront the reality of her future. As she navigates the challenges of reinvention and self-discovery, the film captures her resilience and passion, exploring themes of identity, legacy, and the bittersweet nature of change.
