“Love, Imagined!” to Premiere at El Gouna Film Festival
○ 07 September 2025
El Gouna Film Festival has announced that the feature film “Love, Imagined!”, written and directed by Sarah Rozik, will be screened in the Official Selection – Out of Competition at the festival’s 8th edition, running from October 16 to 24, 2025.
The film’s cast and crew now return to the very place where it all began, which witnessed its earliest steps during preparations and rehearsals.
Producer Baho Bakhsh expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m truly delighted that the film will premiere at El Gouna Film Festival; one of the most important film festivals in the region. It provides a real opportunity for the film to reach a diverse audience of filmmakers, critics, and art lovers. The production journey was long and challenging, especially with the variety of filming locations and the film’s artistic nature. We shot in some of Egypt’s most extraordinary venues: the Open-Air and Main Theatres at Cairo Opera House, the Academy of Arts, the Higher Institute of Cinema, the Conservatoire, and other remarkable sites of literary, historical, and cultural significance. We worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and having the film premiere at a festival that celebrates art is a fitting recognition of the team’s tremendous efforts.”
Actor Ahmed El-Saadany added, “The film truly began at El Gouna, with rehearsals and preparations taking place here. That’s why its premiere at El Gouna Film Festival feels like a positive sign. The spirit of El Gouna—with its energy and beauty—matches the soul of the film. I think the festival is the best platform to present our work, and I’m eager to hear the audience’s reactions, especially since this is a very different experience for me.”
Actress Mayan El-Sayed commented, “From the very start, when we began preparations at El Gouna, I hoped we would return to premiere the film here. It’s a very special project for all of us, and I feel so much joy sharing it with filmmakers in the same place where we started. El Gouna Film Festival is one of my favorite festivals—I always feel happy being part of it. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the same feelings I had while watching films here, and I hope our film conveys that.”
Actor Omar Rozik said, “Having the film premiere at a major festival like El Gouna Film Festival is truly special. I’m very excited to watch it with the audience and to shine a light on its story, which explores unique and deeply layered relationships.”
Putting the Finishing Touches on ”Love, Imagined!”
Director Sarah Rozik described her anticipation with mixed emotions, saying, “I’m thrilled to have the film’s first screening at El Gouna Film Festival, but also a little anxious knowing it will be judged by cinema experts from around the world. For us, the premiere here has two meanings: first, the exposure that a festival like El Gouna Film Festival provides; and second, the personal connection the team has with this event, where we first met, read the script, and held rehearsals with the support of our producers.”
The film blends suspense, romance, and comedy. It tells the story of a reclusive university professor who avoids social relationships—until he finds himself caught in an unexpected and contradictory relationship that forces him to choose between his mind and his heart: should he surrender to feelings he never anticipated, or end the relationship before it becomes too complicated?
The film is produced by Red Star (Baho Bakhsh and Safie El-Din Mahmoud), written and directed by Sarah Rozik, and stars Ahmed El-Saadany, Mayan El-Sayed, and Omar Rozik, alongside emerging talents including Seif Hamida, Farida Ragab, and Afaf Mostafa, with special appearances by renowned filmmakers and actors. The creative team includes cinematographer Mohamed Gad, production designer Hamza Taha, editor Ayman Mansour, costume designer Laila Magid, composer Khaled Hammad, sound engineer Alaa Atef, and sound mixer Mohamed Salah.
The film reflects Red Star’s ongoing mission to produce works that address pressing social issues through artistic storytelling that balances depth and entertainment. True to the company’s role as a key supporter of independent cinema and new voices, “Love, Imagined!” also marks the debut feature for both director Sarah Rozik and cinematographer Mohamed Gad—underscoring the company’s commitment to nurturing promising talents.