More than 70 Arab and international films are entering the marathon to compete for the awards of the 8th edition of the El Gouna International Film Festival 2025, which includes five main categories. The winners are scheduled to be honored on Friday, October 24, in the Egyptian city of El Gouna.

Regarding the prize value, festival organizers confirmed that it exceeds $224,000, in addition to the trophies awarded to winners in the competitive sections.

According to the festival’s official website, this year’s program includes several competitions and awards:

Feature Film Competition Awards:

• El Gouna Golden Star for Feature Film: Trophy, certificate, and $50,000
• El Gouna Silver Star for Feature Film: Trophy, certificate, and $25,000
• El Gouna Bronze Star for Feature Film: Trophy, certificate, and $15,000
• El Gouna Best Arab Feature Film: Trophy, certificate, and $20,000
• El Gouna Best Actor/Actress: Trophy and certificate Cash prizes are divided equally between the director and the film’s main producer.

Documentary Feature Competition Awards:

• Golden Star: Trophy, certificate, and $30,000
• Silver Star: Trophy, certificate, and $15,000
• Bronze Star: Trophy, certificate, and $7,500
• Best Arab Documentary Film: Trophy, certificate, and $10,000 Cash prizes are shared equally between the director and the film’s main producer.

Short Film Competition Awards:

• Golden Star: Trophy, certificate, and $15,000
• Silver Star: Trophy, certificate, and $7,500
• Bronze Star: Trophy, certificate, and $4,000
• Best Arab Short Film: Trophy, certificate, and $5,000 All awards are granted to the film’s director.

Special Awards:

• Cinema for Humanity Competition: The annual Audience Award recognizes films addressing humanitarian topics, including a trophy, certificate, and $20,000.
• Green Star Competition: Honors inspiring films that raise awareness about environmental, ecological, or wildlife issues, including a star, certificate, and $10,000.

El Gouna Film Festival awards cover feature films, documentaries, shorts, as well as special awards for directors, actors, critics, and “behind the camera” achievements, recognizing the efforts of filmmakers working off-screen.

The criteria for winning focus on artistic innovation, production quality, excellence in directing, acting, cinematography, music, and design, in addition to promoting cinematic and cultural dialogue.