Marking its ninth edition in Egypt, the El Gouna Film Festival brings together cinema figures, high fashion, and luxury debuts across a week of red carpet events.
Fashion Houses Shine on the Red Carpet
The red carpet at the ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival has turned into an international showcase for major fashion designers and fine jewelry houses. Celebrities arriving for the events have displayed elaborate gowns ranging from classic royal silhouettes to modern metallic finishes.
Khalil also selected a royal blue halter-neck dress by Elie Saab for opening night, styled by Mohamed Ashraf with jewelry from Michael Oro Jewellery.
Additional stars placed high on the list of luxury looks. Actress Dina El Sherbiny selected a light gray gown with a high neckline and an open back featuring side embroidery. Nicole Saba wore a shimmering metallic silver gown. Laila Elwi appeared in a turquoise dress from the Paloma Cuevas x Rosa Clará collection valued at roughly 3 thousand dollars, equivalent to nearly 160,560 Egyptian pounds.
Color Trends Define the Opening Nights
Shades of royal blue and soft pink dominated the opening nights. Several actresses coordinated unexpected color choices on the red carpet.
Actresses including Mays Hamdan, Doaa Hokom, and Andrea Tayeb joined Khalil in exploring variations of royal blue. Hamdan wore a bodycon sequined gown by Fashion Icon KW. Hokom opted for a classic satin ballgown with silver crystal detailing.
Mays Hamdan completed her appearance with a retro wavy bob styled by Karim Abo Elsaoud. She was accompanied by warm bronze makeup focused on the eyes by Heba Magdy, alongside matching drop earrings and blue stone rings from Glamour Jewellery.
Mona Zaki Receives Creative Achievement Award at Festival Opening
The festival features 77 films representing 69 countries across its competitive sections and special programs.
Director Mohamed Hammad’s Safe Exit is among the narrative feature entries. It highlights the life of a young Coptic security guard named Samean working in central Cairo while managing post-traumatic stress disorder and writing his first novel.
The festival’s opening ceremony featured the presentation of the Creative Achievement Award to Mona Zaki for her contributions to Egyptian and Arab cinema. Following the honor, Khalil praised Zaki’s extensive career and enduring talent in interviews.
The festival schedule continues through October 23, 2026, hosting public masterclasses, industry panels, and screenings across the resort city.
