JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The fourth edition of one of the Middle East’s rapidly expanding film festivals commenced on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, drawing film industry professionals and celebrities from all corners of the globe. The event, held in the historical Al-Balad district of Jeddah, showcases over 120 films from 81 different countries.
The Red Sea International Film Festival has positioned itself as a burgeoning cultural landmark since its inception in 2021, presenting a dynamic selection that includes both world premieres and critically acclaimed films from various countries. This year, the festival is set to enhance its international presence by hosting Academy Award winners such as Viola Davis and Spike Lee, along with renowned Bollywood figures like Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.
Kicking off the festival is “The Tale of Daye’s Family,” a drama crafted by Egyptian director Karim Shenawy, which showcases the journey of a Nubian boy aspiring to audition for the popular singing competition “The Voice.” During the opening night, Shenawy expressed gratitude towards the collaborative effort behind the film, stating, “I’m more excited than I am worried, because this film wouldn’t have happened without the efforts of so many people, all of whom are here with us. They feel that this is their film.” He further conveyed his hopes that the movie could exemplify fruitful cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in producing quality cinema that resonates with festival-goers and achieves popular acclaim.
Reflecting on her experience in Saudi Arabia, American actress Michelle Rodriguez remarked, “Aside from the vast history, I like the deep sense of identity, and I think it’s very rare for people in a country to just have a very similar united point of view. And I think that’s quite beautiful.”
The Features Competition segment of the festival will showcase 16 films spotlighting talents from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa. A jury led by Spike Lee will determine the winners of the prestigious Yusr Awards. On the red carpet, Lee emphasized his commitment to the judging process, stating, “I’m here to see and judge 16 films. This is not a vacation. What’s new is that I’m going to see some great films by young filmmakers that I probably haven’t heard of, but I’ll know about a lot of them after this festival.”
Among the competitive entries are films like Lotfi Achour’s “Red Path,” which was featured at the Locarno Film Festival, and Mehdi M. Barsaoui’s “Aïcha,” recognized at the Venice Film Festival. Additionally, Reema Kagti’s “Superboys of Malegaon,” which centers on an aspiring filmmaker from the small town of Malegaon, also finds its place in this year’s competition.
The Red Sea International Film Festival, established with the backing of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and under the aegis of the Red Sea Film Foundation, benefits from funding by the Public Investment Fund and private sponsors. It aspires to be a catalyst for promoting regional filmmakers and enhancing international connections within the film industry.
