The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival kicks off on December 5, 2024, in Jeddah, embracing the theme “A New Home for Cinema.”Running until December 14, this highly anticipated event will feature over 120 films from 81 countries, showcasing narrative, short, and documentary formats.
The festival opens with Dhi, a joint Saudi-Egyptian production directed by Karim El Shenawy and written by Haitham Dabbour. The poignant story follows a Nubian teenager pursuing his dream of singing against the odds, with stellar performances by Badr Mohamed and Asil Omran.
Honoring Icons of Cinema
This year’s festival celebrates global cinematic luminaries, including Aamir Khan, known for Dangal, and Emily Blunt, recently seen in Oppenheimer. Both are honoured for their outstanding contributions to film. Additionally, Mona Zaki, the acclaimed Egyptian actress from Rihlat 404 and Abshir: Al-Sarb, will be recognized for her illustrious career.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for December 12, will also pay tribute to Viola Davis, the Oscar-winning actress from The Woman King and Fences. She is celebrated for her groundbreaking work as a performer and co-founder of JVL Media.
Celebration of Diversity and Global Cinema
The festival celebrates cultural diversity with films from 81 countries, offering audiences a rich blend of narratives from the Arab world, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These works provide a lens into the civilizations and cultures of various nations, showcasing the transformative power of art. Cinema enthusiasts will have access to films they might otherwise not experience, reinforcing the role of the Red Sea Festival as a gateway to the world’s cinematic treasures.
The presence of international stars adds depth to the event. Beyond red-carpet appearances, they will engage directly with audiences through screenings, discussions, and masterclasses. The festival positions cinema as a vital tool for education, awareness, and truthful storytelling, uniting people through shared experiences and global narratives.
This year’s lineup includes many internationally celebrated films, including award-winning selections from prestigious festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. The growing scope of the festival’s programming reflects the team’s dedication and expertise in curating high-quality cinematic experiences.
Spotlight on Award-Winning Films
The “Wonders of the World” program highlights films that have left a mark on the global cinematic stage. A key feature is “Lumière Cinema” by Thierry Frémaux, head of the Lumière Institute and general delegate of the Cannes Festival. This film continues the journey begun in “LUMIÈRE! THE ADVENTURE BEGINS,” celebrating the origins of cinema through restored classics. Frémaux will present the film personally, a highlight eagerly anticipated by attendees.
The “Global Selections” program showcases cinematic diversity with films noted for their compelling storytelling and rich cultural backdrops. Highlights include:
- “Dreaming in Black” by Paulo Marino Blanco is a black comedy about a terminally ill woman’s unconventional journey.
- “Tasting the Revolution” by Daniel Klein is a satirical documentary featuring Mahershala Ali as a revolutionary leader confronting capitalism.
- “The Last Ronin” by Maxim Shishkin is an action-packed post-apocalyptic tale of survival and resilience.
- “Crocodile Tears” by Tombal Tambopoulon explores familial tensions in an Indonesian setting.
- “Someone” by Yoo-Young Kim and Jang-Shan Lee is a psychological thriller delving into the dark dynamics between a mother and daughter.
African cinema shines with Jean-Luc Herbulot’s “Zero,” an intense thriller set in Dakar, Senegal, where two Americans face life-threatening stakes in a race against time. Other notable titles include “Napoli New York” by Gabriel Salvatores, inspired by a Federico Fellini story, and “Forty Acres” by R.T. Thorne, a poignant narrative about climate change’s impact on family dynamics.
Workshops and Masterclasses
The festival also offers workshops on acting, film analysis, marketing, and mobile filmmaking, alongside masterclasses led by luminaries like Thierry Frémaux and Pauline Seghland. Panels in historic Jeddah will feature stars such as Mona Zaki, Viola Davis, Michael Mann, Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Spike Lee, this year’s jury chair.
The “Inspire” program focuses on enhancing the skills of Saudi filmmakers with sessions on screenwriting, animation, and artistic direction. Additionally, producers can benefit from professional development in financing, sales, and production, supported by industry experts.
Winners of the development programs will share cash prizes totalling $200,000, awarded based on merit. These initiatives underline the festival’s commitment to nurturing talent and advancing the global cinematic landscape, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a prominent hub for the film industry.