The Red Sea International Film Festival has unveiled its highly anticipated lineup for its third edition, featuring an impressive selection of films from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. With a total of 36 movies from Saudi Arabia showcased, the festival aims to celebrate the diverse talent of both established and up-and-coming filmmakers.
The festival organizers have chosen a theme for this year’s event: “Your Story, Your Festival.” The goal is to provide a unique platform for celebrating film, connecting cultures, and expanding horizons by welcoming stories from all walks of life. The festival aims to go beyond just screening movies, becoming a comprehensive cinematic platform that promotes diversity in all facets of filmmaking.
The Red Sea: Competition, one of the main sections of the festival, will screen a total of 17 films from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world. These films, both narratives and documentaries, will be judged by an international jury led by renowned filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. The competition lineup includes a wide range of stories, from a behind-the-scenes look at a touring dance troupe in “Backstage” to a man’s journey to better himself for love in “Roxana.”
The Arab Spectacular lineup, another important section of the festival, will feature 11 titles that highlight the vibrancy of Arab cinema. This lineup includes films such as “Back to Alexandria,” which tells the story of a mother and daughter overcoming estrangement, and “HWJN,” a magical tale of a djinn fascinated by a human family.
One of the special screenings at the festival will be the world premiere of “To My Son,” a film from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that explores the turmoil caused by the sudden return of a long-lost son. Another highlight is “Jeanne du Barry,” an ambitious drama from France and Saudi Arabia that is inspired by the life of King Louis XV’s last royal mistress.
In addition to the competition and special screenings, the festival will also feature a variety of other events and activities. These include discussions and panels with filmmakers and industry professionals, networking opportunities, and workshops for aspiring filmmakers.
The festival organizers are particularly proud of the diversity and inclusivity of this year’s lineup. They are committed to showcasing films that represent a wide range of voices and experiences from the region and beyond. In fact, the selection includes projects from a total of 31 female filmmakers, further emphasizing the festival’s commitment to supporting women in cinema.
According to Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, and Shivani Pandya Malhotra, managing director of the Red Sea International Film Festival, the chosen films reflect the wealth of talent in the region. They believe that using film as a medium can foster insight, understanding, and compassion among people from different backgrounds.
Kaleem Aftab, the festival’s director of international programs, emphasizes the importance of the Red Sea: Competition in highlighting the complexities of the modern world. These films address societal changes and present a challenge to traditional norms, exploring issues that are relevant to humanity today.
Antoine Khalife, the festival’s director of Arab Programs and Film Classics, praises the vibrancy of Arab cinema and highlights the program’s celebration of Arab, African, and Asian filmmaking talent. The festival aims to create a platform for these filmmakers to showcase their work and share their unique perspectives.
With its diverse lineup and focus on fostering connection and understanding, the Red Sea International Film Festival promises to be an exciting and enriching event for both filmmakers and audiences. As the festival celebrates its third edition, it continues to establish itself as a prominent platform for the region’s cinema industry.
