El Gouna Photo Week Opens Call for Upper Egypt Stories

As part of its second edition, El Gouna Photo Week has announced an open call for submissions to the ‘SARD: Stories from Upper Egypt’ exhibition, inviting photographers from the governorates of Upper Egypt to submit professional documentary photography and video projects that capture the region's realities, diversity and lived experiences. The initiative seeks stories rooted in local communities that move beyond familiar stereotypes.

Organised by Photopia, an independent photography school, studio, gallery and co-working space based in Cairo, El Gouna Photo Week will bring photographers from across Egypt and the wider region to the Red Sea town for a programme of exhibitions, talks, portfolio reviews, workshops and photography-focused events.

Applicants are invited to submit a single project consisting of up to 10 photographs or one video, accompanied by a narrative of no more than 250 words. Selected projects will be exhibited in El Gouna from December 4th to 12th, 2026, with participating photographers also receiving complimentary access to the festival's full programme of events. The submission deadline is August 31st, 2026.