‘Safe Exit’ and ‘Citizen Osama’ Take Gold as Gaza Takes Centre Stage at El Gouna Festival

The ninth El Gouna Film Festival closed with gold honours for “Safe Exit” and “Citizen Osama”, as Gaza held a central place in the event’s cinematic focus.

Held from October 15 to 23, the festival celebrated films addressing human experiences and issues facing the Arab world.

Palestinian cinema had a notable presence, alongside other Arab and international films, bringing a range of perspectives to the festival.

The closing awards reflected that emphasis on human stories, rounding off an edition in which Arab concerns, and Gaza in particular, remained firmly in view.