The Zurich film festival (ZFF) and the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) have embarked on a groundbreaking strategic partnership, aiming to foster collaboration and cultural exchange between the European and MENA cinema industries. This alliance, announced in 2026, marks a significant milestone in the film festival circuit, promising to enhance programming and industry initiatives for both organizations.
The partnership will kick off at the 22nd edition of ZFF scheduled from September 24 to October 4 with the world premiere of the feature documentary Dolphins: My Close Encounters. This film, which follows Swiss marine biologist Angela Ziltener and her decades-long research on dolphins in the Red Sea, will subsequently have its MENA premiere at GFF, running from October 15 to 26.
The Zurich Film Festival: A Rising Star in the Film Circuit
ZFF has established itself as a key player in the international film festival landscape, particularly since its management buyout in 2026 led by CEO Christian Jungen. The festival has become a vital launchpad for fall releases in Switzerland and a significant stop on the awards season circuit for international films. As the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world, ZFF attracted 135,000 visitors in 2026 underscoring its growing influence.
ZFF has also cultivated strong ties with other prestigious festivals, notably San Sebastian with which it collaborates on industry and festival guest initiatives. This new partnership with GFF is expected to further enhance ZFF’s global reach and impact.
The El Gouna Film Festival: A Beacon in the MENA Region
The El Gouna Film Festival, launched in 2017 by Egyptian tycoons Naguib and Samih Sawiris has quickly become a cornerstone of the MENA fall festival calendar. Held in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna, created by Samih Sawiris, GFF is renowned for its commitment to connecting regional and international film industries while showcasing world-class cinema and fostering dialogue and social impact.
Samih Sawiris a long-time admirer of ZFF, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This is a true win-win partnership. We can help the El Gouna Film Festival gain access to films and talent while they provide us with invaluable logistical support and guide us on our way to gain new perspectives while navigating the film landscape of Africa and the Middle East.”
Connecting Cultures and Industries
The new alliance aims to bridge the gap between Middle Eastern, African, and European filmmakers, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Andrew Mohsen GFF Artistic Director, highlighted the festival’s decade-long efforts to provide a platform for regional filmmakers and create opportunities for emerging talent. “This partnership with ZFF will facilitate the creation of synergies with others in the industry from various parts of the world,” Mohsen said.
Reta Guetg ZFF Director, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the festival’s role in building cultural bridges. “As a film festival, building bridges is one of our key functions. We want to connect people who share our beliefs and utilize films as powerful ambassadors of cultural exchange. That is exactly what this new friendship and partnership stands for,” Guetg stated.
Dolphins: My Close Encounters: A Symbol of the Partnership
The first film presented jointly by the two festivals, Dolphins: My Close Encounters symbolizes the connection between Zurich and the Red Sea. Directed by Barny Revill and produced by Silverback Films the documentary traces Ziltener’s more than 15 years of diving alongside wild dolphins, offering a rare glimpse into their lives. What began as a scientific study evolved into a deeply personal journey, raising profound questions about the relationship between humans and dolphins.
This strategic partnership between ZFF and GFF promises to enrich the film festival experience for both organizations and their audiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of global cinema.
