Nikon ZR Makes Its Middle East Debut at the El Gouna Film Festival

Foto Express was proud to lead the first-ever Middle East appearance of the Nikon ZR at the El Gouna Film Festival, the largest and most influential film festival in the region. With two front-row booths at the heart of the festival, the activation marked a major milestone for Nikon cinema in the Middle East and offered filmmakers a rare hands-on experience with one of the most anticipated cinema cameras in the industry.
This activation gave directors, cinematographers, DOPs, and filmmakers a unique opportunity to see, touch, and test the Nikon ZR in real production-ready environments. Multiple camera rigs were on display, allowing visitors to explore different configurations—from stripped-down handheld setups to fully built cinema rigs—demonstrating the flexibility and real-world usability of the camera.
One of the most exciting highlights was the ability for attendees to work directly with R3D files, experiencing live playback, handling, and workflow discussions on the spot. For many professionals, this was a first look at how the Nikon ZR fits into modern cinema pipelines, bridging high-end image quality with practical production workflows.
Throughout the festival, the booth became a natural meeting point for industry professionals. Directors, DOPs, producers, and film students gathered to exchange insights, ask technical questions, and explore how the Nikon ZR could integrate into narrative films, commercials, documentaries, and high-end content creation.
Nikon ZR Makes Its Middle East Debut
The Nikon ZR was showcased publicly for the first time in the Middle East at El Gouna Film Festival. Filmmakers experienced the camera up close across multiple cinema-ready configurations, marking a major milestone for Nikon cinema in the region.
Real-World Rigs & R3D Workflow
Visitors didn’t just see the camera — they used it. From handheld to fully built cinema rigs, attendees tested the Nikon ZR and explored R3D files with live playback, gaining real insight into professional production workflows.
Live Talks with Industry Leaders
The booth hosted a highly attended talk by cinematographer and film director Tareq Ibrahim, Aputure Global Ambassador, followed by an intimate session with emerging cinematographers—turning the activation into a true learning and networking hub.
Tareq Ibrahim Talk
Adding further depth to the activation, cinematographer and film director Tareq Ibrahim, also an Aputure Global Ambassador, delivered an in-depth talk at the booth. The session drew a large crowd and sparked valuable discussions around lighting, camera choice, and creative decision-making in modern cinematography. Following the main talk, Tareq hosted a more intimate session with upcoming cinematographers, sharing practical advice, industry experience, and insights into building a sustainable career in film.

