The 4th edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival drew to a close today, capping off an exceptional week of cinematic celebration and award distributions. Over the past several days, film enthusiasts were treated to a captivating array of films from around the world, many of which have recently garnered prestigious accolades at renowned international festivals. This provided audiences with a unique opportunity to experience the artistry of global cinema in a setting that showcased both well-established and emerging filmmakers.
This year’s festival sought to further cement its place as a key cultural event in the region, offering a rich and diverse program that appealed to a wide range of tastes. Highlights included screenings of international and local films across various genres, including feature films, shorts, and documentaries. Key segments of the festival included the “International Competition” and “Special Screenings,” ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to screenings, the festival hosted a series of interactive panels with acclaimed directors and actors, addressing important contemporary issues in cinema. A focus on emerging talent was evident with workshops designed to empower new filmmakers in areas like directing, screenwriting, and cinematography. The festival also featured a film market that acted as a crucial platform for producers, distributors, and filmmakers to explore collaboration opportunities and stay informed on the latest trends in the film industry.
One of the emotional highlights of the festival was a session featuring celebrated Egyptian actress Mona Zaki, where she reflected on her time working with the late Ahmed Zaki during the production of Halim. Mona shared touching memories of the film’s emotionally charged atmosphere, shaped in part by Ahmed Zaki’s health struggles. She recalled a poignant conversation with him about why he had chosen her for the role, underscoring their special on-screen chemistry developed over previous projects.
Mona Zaki, who was honoured with the Golden Yusr Award at the festival’s opening ceremony, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the recognition. “I am deeply grateful to the festival and to Saudi Arabia for this honor,” she said. “I am always proud to be from Egypt, a country where art is cherished and woven into the fabric of our identity and history.”
The festival also placed a significant focus on the celebration of women in cinema with the 7th edition of Women in Cinema at the Jeddah Yacht Club. The event honored pioneering women in the global and local film industry, with appearances by stars such as Yousra, Hend Sabry, and Emily Blunt. Hosted by Hend Sabry, the event featured inspiring speeches by Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh and actress-producer Eva Longoria, who both praised the Red Sea Foundation’s ongoing efforts to champion women in Arab, African, and Asian cinema.
Jumana Rashid Al-Rashed, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Foundation’s Board of Trustees, spoke proudly about the event, stating, “It is an honor to host this special celebration of women’s achievements in film. Supporting female talent is central to our identity and values, and we are committed to fostering this through our programs and initiatives.”
The festival also highlighted the work of talented female filmmakers, including Denise Fernandez (Hanami), Kurdwin Ayub (Moon), Maram Taibah (Malika), Reem Katji (Superboys of Malageon), Taghreed Abu Al-Hassan (Snow White), and Xiaoxuan Jiang (To Kill a Mongolian Horse), showcasing their creative contributions to the global film landscape.
In addition to these celebrations, engaging discussions took place on the role of film festivals in shaping the industry, the preservation of cinematic heritage through restored screenings of 10 classic films, and initiatives like the Cairo Film Connection, which presented 18 projects from 10 countries aimed at fostering new creative endeavors.
The Red Sea International Film Festival’s spotlight on Arab cinema was another key focus, with new awards introduced to honor outstanding achievements in the region. This effort solidified the festival’s position as one of the most important cultural events in the region, recognized for its dedication to showcasing and supporting Arab filmmakers.
Global stars including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria, and Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh led a series of enriching interactive sessions, discussing everything from the future of the film industry to personal stories of their careers. The festival’s regional premieres, including Into the Unknown, Little Jaffna, Zero, and Dreaming in Black, captivated local audiences and furthered its reputation for bringing the best of global cinema to Saudi Arabia.
Through its Red Sea Days initiative, the festival also hosted workshops, panels, and discussions focused on navigating market challenges and unlocking new opportunities for emerging film projects, ensuring the continued development of the film industry in the region.
In its 4th year, the Red Sea International Film Festival has once again proven itself as a cultural beacon, celebrating the power of cinema to foster creativity, spark dialogue, and promote a deeper understanding of global cultures. Its ongoing commitment to innovation and growth ensures that it will remain a leading force in the promotion of cinematic excellence in Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world.
