The El Gouna Film Festival has revealed that international star Cate Blanchett will be a guest at the festival’s eighth edition, which will be held from October 16 to 24 in the Egyptian coastal city of El Gouna.
Hosting the international star, in cooperation with the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), comes as Cate Blanchett is a Goodwill Ambassador for the agency. Her presence coincides with this year’s festival’s theme, “Cinema for Humanity.” The two-time Oscar-winning star, who has a remarkable global presence in both the cinema and humanitarian fields, was invited as part of the festival’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange and social impact. El Gouna Film Festival is proud to welcome her to participate in special events within this year’s program
The nternational star will be present at the festival’s opening ceremony, where she will be honored with a special award in recognition of her commitment to raising awareness about forced displacement. The El Gouna Film Festival will present Cate Blanchett with the “Humanitarian Hero” award. The following day, Blanchett will participate in an inspiring discussion session at the CineGouna Forum, where she will discuss her artistic and humanitarian journey. She will be interviewed by prominent Lebanese media personality and Goodwill Ambassador Raya Abirached.
Cate Blanchett is known worldwide for her exceptional career, confirming her unique talent and depth as an actress. She has received widespread acclaim for her roles in films such as “Elizabeth,” “Carol,” and “Tàr,” in addition to winning two Academy Awards for her roles in “The Aviator” and “Blue Jasmine.” She has also distinguished herself in the theater, serving as Associate Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company.
Cate Blanchett’s presence and recognition at the El Gouna Film Festival is not limited to her status as a prominent international movie star, but also extends to her humanitarian impact. Since 2016, Cate has served as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR, where she has used her celebrity to raise global awareness and mobilize support for refugees. She has become a knowledgeable and committed voice for displaced people around the world. She has traveled extensively to refugee camps and host communities in Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, South Sudan, Niger, and Brazil, listening to refugees’ stories and highlighting the dire need for support. In recognition of her significant efforts and clear contributions, she was honored in 2018 with the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum of the United Nations
