The 8th edition of El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) marked a memorable highlight with the visit of Academy Award-winning actress and UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett on October 18th. Held in El Gouna, Red Sea, the vibrant coastal and fully integrated town by Orascom Development, the visit was organized in collaboration with the festival’s Impact Partner — the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) — and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. It served as a reaffirmation of GFF’s core theme “Cinema for Humanity”.
El Gouna plays an integral role as a destination bringing together global voices in cinema, art, and culture. Purposefully designed to foster inclusivity and exchange, the town provides a fitting environment for GFF’s mission of celebrating creativity and humanity. The festival is a reflection of the dynamic spirit of El Gouna and its year-round calendar of cultural and entertainment experiences.
The activities of the GFF were anchored by a red carpet event for the MENA premiere of Jim Jarmusch’s Golden Lion-winning film, Father Mother Sister Brother, which features an eclectic cast including Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, and Vicky Krieps. The screening was followed by a special gathering that took place at the Pavilion in North Bay, one of El Gouna’s most serene residential areas, bringing together leading voices from the worlds of arts and humanitarian work. Attendees included, Eng. Naguib Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna Film Festival and Chairman of Orascom Investment Holding S.A.E., Eng. Samih Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna and Chairman of El Gouna Film Festival Board of Directors, Amr Mansi, Executive Director & Co-founder, Marianne Khoury, artistic director of GFF, Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna and Executive Board Member at Orascom Development, Yousra, International Advisory board member of GFF, Laila Hosny, Director of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development.
In recognition of her ongoing humanitarian advocacy, UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett was honored with the “Champion of Humanity” award during Weaves of Hope- a night dedicated to honouring the resilience of refugees and amplifying their voices. The award was presented by Eng. Samih Sawiris and was hosted by Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and Olympian Yusra Mardini.
Cate Blanchett said: “Too often refugees are defined by what they have lost, rather than who they are. But wherever I have travelled with UNHCR, I have met extraordinary individuals. They seek opportunity. They seek to contribute, to rebuild, to belong. This award is a reminder of how much more there is to do. Let us all support humanitarian work in whatever way we can. Now is not the time to look away”
Eng. Samih Sawiris stated, “It was a distinct honor to present the Champion of Humanity Award to Ms. Cate Blanchett. She stands as a remarkable example of how global recognition and influence can be leveraged to drive meaningful, positive change and inspire humanitarian action worldwide.
Eng. Naguib Sawiris added: “Humanity has always been at the core of El Gouna, and having someone like Cate Blanchett here really brings that to life. I’m proud of what GFF, SFSD, and UNHCR are doing together — it’s proof that when art, philanthropy, and advocacy meet, they can create real impact.”
Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna and Executive Board Member at Orascom Development Egypt, said: “We are deeply honoured to celebrate Cate Blanchett’s remarkable work and humanitarian voice. Honoring her is a tribute to the very values that define both her journey and El Gouna, namely creativity, compassion, and an enduring belief in the power of humanity. El Gouna has always been more than a destination; it is a living example of coexistence and inclusion, home to over 50 nationalities united by a shared spirit of openness, culture, and purpose. Moments like these reaffirm El Gouna’s role as a true meeting point for the world, where art, humanity, and hope come together to inspire and connect us all.”
Laila Hosny, Director of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, said: “Supporting the refugee cause is deeply aligned with the Sawiris Foundation’s mission. For years, we have worked to ensure that all people living in vulnerable circumstances — regardless of their background — have access to sustainable livelihoods and the dignity of opportunity. True development begins when every individual has the means to rebuild their life with purpose and hope.”
Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Representative, said: At a time when global attention on Sudan is waning, Cate Blanchett’s voice has become indispensable. Her presence in Egypt comes as the Sudan conflict fuels the world’s largest displacement crisis — with Egypt now the top host country, where over 1.5 million Sudanese have sought refuge.
Behind these staggering numbers are individuals with the right to live in dignity, even when far from home — a reminder of why partnerships like ours with the El Gouna Film Festival and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development matter, as we share the common goal of advancing refugee resilience, inclusion, and social cohesion with the host community in Egypt
Earlier that day, a significant step was taken to cement the future of this collaborative work. Blanchett attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between El Gouna Film Festival, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, festival impact partner, and UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency. This MoU formally strengthens the collaboration to raise awareness and advocate for refugee rights through the festival’s diverse platforms. The signing reinforces El Gouna’s position not only as a cultural center, but also as a platform for long-term partnerships that drive real-world impact.
In a powerful demonstration of SFSD’s work, Ms. Blanchett visited The German Hotel School El Gouna, the only hotel school in Egypt operating under the German dual education system and managed by the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. She met with refugee students from Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Eritrea, and Yemen, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to inclusive education and vocational empowerment. The visit showcases the town’s role as a destination that supports youth development, skill-building, and opportunity for diverse communities.
This was followed by the highly anticipated “In Conversation” session, moderated by her fellow UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, journalist and television presenter Ms. Raya Abirached, attracting an exceptional turnout. Blanchett’s acclaimed artistic career and her humanitarian engagement, as she reflected on her experiences with refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Uganda. She also spoke about cinema’s power to shed light on humanitarian crises.
During the session, Ms. Blanchett reflected on the intersections between her artistic and advocacy work. She discussed her recent films, including Tár (2022) and The New Boy (2023), which explore themes of identity, displacement, and power, noting how these artistic pursuits resonate with her humanitarian work with UNHCR. She also shared insights into her film, Rumours (2024) emphasizing how satire and allegory in cinema can foster crucial conversations around responsibility, leadership, and humanity.
Following her public appearances, Blanchett visited the Sawiris Foundation Cabana at The Hub, where she had an inspiring encounter with refugee women artisans whose handcrafted products were developed with the foundation’s support. The meeting underscored the importance of empowering refugee communities through sustainable, income-generating initiatives and reflected El Gouna’s commitment to being a diverse, inclusive community that celebrates and uplifts people from all backgrounds.
Cate Blanchett’s visit to El Gouna Film Festival 2025 was a resounding success, not only celebrating her exceptional cinematic journey but also reaffirming the festival’s core mission “Cinema for Humanity” showcasing how the transformative power of art can drive social change and inspire global solidarity
