The 4th edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival wrapped up today, marking a successful week of cinematic celebration and award ceremonies. Over the past several days, attendees enjoyed a diverse range of films from around the globe, including many that have recently earned recognition at prestigious international festivals. This year’s event provided a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers, further solidifying the festival’s growing influence as a key cultural event in the region.
With a lineup that included international and local films across various genres, the festival showcased feature films, shorts, and documentaries, with standout segments such as the “International Competition” and “Special Screenings.” This year, the event’s programming aimed to engage a wide range of audiences, ensuring there was something for every film enthusiast to enjoy.
In addition to the screenings, the festival hosted a series of interactive panels with acclaimed directors and actors who addressed contemporary issues in cinema. Emerging talent was also spotlighted through workshops designed to support new filmmakers in directing, screenwriting, and cinematography. A film market also provided a vital platform for producers, distributors, and filmmakers to explore collaboration opportunities.
One of the most emotional moments of the festival was a session featuring Egyptian actress Mona Zaki, who reflected on her work with the late Ahmed Zaki during the filming of Halim. Mona shared moving memories of the production’s emotional atmosphere, shaped by Ahmed Zaki’s health challenges. She recalled a special conversation with him about why he chose her for the role, underscoring their strong on-screen chemistry. Mona, who received the Golden Yusr Award at the festival’s opening ceremony, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, celebrating her Egyptian roots and the country’s rich artistic history.
The festival also spotlighted women in cinema, highlighted by 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 from stars like 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 praised the Red Sea Foundation’s commitment to promoting women in Arab, African, and Asian cinema.
Jumana Rashid Al-Rashed, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Foundation’s Board of Trustees, expressed pride in hosting this celebration of women’s achievements, emphasizing that supporting female talent is central to the foundation’s mission. The festival showcased the works of female filmmakers such as Denise Fernandez, Kurdwin Ayub, Maram Taibah, Reem Katji, Taghreed Abu Al-Hassan, and Xiaoxuan Jiang, further solidifying the festival’s dedication to empowering women in the industry.
Additionally, the festival featured discussions on the role of film festivals in shaping the industry, with screenings of 10 restored classic films and initiatives like the Cairo Film Connection, which presented projects from 10 countries aimed at fostering new creative endeavors.
A major focus of this year’s festival was Arab cinema, with new awards introduced to recognize outstanding regional achievements. This move reinforced the festival’s position as one of the most important cultural events in the region, with a clear commitment to showcasing and supporting Arab filmmakers.
Stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria, and Michelle Yeoh also participated in enriching interactive sessions, where they discussed topics ranging from the future of cinema to personal career stories. Regional premieres such as Into the Unknown, Little Jaffna, Zero, and Dreaming in Black captivated local audiences, further cementing the festival’s reputation for bringing the best of global cinema to Saudi Arabia.
The festival’s Red Sea Days initiative included workshops and discussions focused on market challenges and new opportunities for emerging film projects, supporting the growth of the film industry in the region.
In its 4th year, the Red Sea International Film Festival has once again proven itself as a leading cultural beacon, celebrating the power of cinema to foster creativity, spark dialogue, and promote understanding of global cultures. With its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, the festival is poised to remain a significant force in the promotion of cinematic achievement in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.
