Launched in 2020, the Gouna Film Festival (GFF) CinemaTech Programs represent a strategic collaboration between Gemini Africa and the El Gouna Film Festival, positioning CinemaTech at the heart of one of the region’s leading film festivals. Through this engagement, Gemini Africa plays an entrepreneurial role in advancing innovation at the intersection of technology, cinema, and creative industries. The program aims to support startups and entrepreneurs developing technology-driven solutions for filmmaking, production, and creative content, while fostering collaboration between creatives, technologists, and industry stakeholders. By embedding entrepreneurship and innovation within the festival ecosystem, the program contributes to shaping the future of the film industry in Egypt and the wider region.

The CinemaTech Programs have been implemented across all governorates in Egypt, completing five cycles and reaching 50+ beneficiaries. Participation reflects strong inclusivity, with 50% female and 50% youth representation, reinforcing Gemini Africa’s commitment to equitable access within the creative economy.

As part of the GFF CinemaTech Programs, a range of key activities were delivered to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into the film festival ecosystem. These included CinemaTech Pitch Competitions, where startups and entrepreneurs showcased technology-enabled solutions for the film and creative industries, alongside pitching sessions and panel discussions featuring industry leaders, investors, and technology experts. The program provided entrepreneurial support through enhanced exposure, mentorship, and strategic networking opportunities. It also fostered cross-sector partnerships, including collaborations with companies such as TikTok, helping to integrate digital platforms and emerging technologies into the broader film ecosystem.

Participants in the CinemaTech Programs have been eligible for a range of awards and development opportunities, including full MBA scholarships at Agora University, access to specialized masterclasses, and investment and growth opportunities designed to support venture development and scaling. These incentives have strengthened participants’ professional trajectories while reinforcing the program’s value proposition within the creative ecosystem. Overall, the Gouna Film Festival CinemaTech Programs reflect Gemini Africa’s long-term commitment to embedding entrepreneurship and innovation within cultural platforms, and to positioning CinemaTech as a strategic driver of growth and competitiveness within the creative economy.