El Gouna Film Festival & Sawiris Foundation For Social Development To Host Acclaimed Actress and UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett’s remarkable career stands as a testament to her extraordinary range and depth as an actress. From her acclaimed performances in Elizabeth, Carol and Tàr, to her Academy Award roles in The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, she has consistently earned critical acclaim. She is celebrated for her stage career and served as co-artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company and is also co-founder and partner of her own production company, Dirty Films, with numerous producing credits for award winning film and television productions.

Blanchett's presence at GFF extends beyond her numerous accomplishments as an artist and producer. Since 2016, she has served as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Through her role, she has utilized her platform to raise global awareness of refugee issues and mobilize action, becoming a deeply informed and thoughtful advocate for displaced people worldwide. She has undertaken missions to refugee camps and host communities in Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, South Sudan, Niger and Brazil to listen to stories and highlight the urgent need for support. In 2018, she was recognized for her work with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum.

In recognition of her commitment to raising awareness on issues of forced displacement, GFF will be presenting Blanchett with the "Champion of Humanity award". The following day, at the CineGouna Forum, Blanchett will share insights into her humanitarian endeavors and artistic journey in an inspiring “In Conversation” with fellow Goodwill Ambassador and renowned Lebanese television personality Raya Abirached.

Amr Mansi, Founder and Executive Director of GFF said, “It is an immense honor to welcome an artist of Cate Blanchett’s caliber to the El Gouna Film Festival. Her unparalleled talent has captivated audiences for decades, and her dedication to humanitarian causes through her work with UNHCR is truly inspiring. The partnership with UNHCR and the Sawiris Foundation, including her visit, perfectly embodies our festival’s core mission of using the power of cinema to drive positive change and support humanity.”

Dr. Hanan Hamdan, Representative of the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR, to Egypt and the League of Arab States added, “Cate Blanchett’s presence at the Gouna Film Festival as UNHCR’s Global Goodwill Ambassador is a powerful call to highlight the suffering of refugees and bring attention to the Sudan conflict, now one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Egypt has long offered refuge to those fleeing violence, but with a registered refugee population exceeding one million, the majority Sudanese, their vulnerability is deepening amidst severe underfunding. Platforms like the Gouna Film Festival are vital in highlighting our shared responsibility to stand with refugees.

Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD), said: "We are proud to partner with the El Gouna Film Festival and UNHCR for this special event. The Sawiris Foundation has always believed in the power of collaboration to create lasting positive change. Cate Blanchett's dedication to humanitarian causes aligns perfectly with our mission to empower vulnerable communities as well as those trying to further positive social change. We are honored to welcome her and believe that by combining the powerful medium of film with her influential voice, we can significantly raise awareness and vital funds for those most in need."

About the El Gouna Film Festival:
El Gouna Film Festival is one of the leading festivals in the Middle East and North Africa. It aims to present a diverse selection of films from around the world, with a particular focus on Arab cinema, to an engaged and knowledgeable audience. The festival seeks to foster cultural exchange through the art of filmmaking, connecting regional filmmakers with their international counterparts in a spirit of collaboration and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives to promote and support the growth of the industry in the region, providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and discover new voices and talents that enrich the world of cinema.

About UNHCR:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. UNHCR delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps to safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. It also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.

About Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD):
Established in 2001 by the Sawiris family, SFSD is one of Egypt’s first philanthropic foundations. It supports innovative, inclusive, and sustainable development solutions, focusing on poverty, unemployment, and access to quality education. SFSD also contributes to Egypt’s cultural and artistic landscape. Over 24 years, it has funded numerous programs in partnership with government, civil society, private sector, and international entities across 24 governorates—prioritizing remote villages and underserved communities.