The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (مهرجان البحر الأحمر السينمائي الدولي) kicked off yesterday, Thursday, in the coastal city of Jeddah, drawing a significant attendance of stars and filmmakers from around the globe. Held under the theme “In Love with Cinema” (في حب السينما), the festival promises a diverse program celebrating the art of filmmaking. This year’s festival is a landmark event for the Red Sea Film Festival, solidifying its position as a major player in the global cinematic landscape.
حضور النجوم وإطلاق فعاليات مهرجان البحر الأحمر السينمائي الدولي
The opening night’s red carpet was graced by a constellation of international and Arab stars. Among the global icons present were Adrian Brody, Michael Caine, Vin Diesel, Ana de Armas, Giancarlo Esposito, Naomi Harris, Kristen Dunst, and American director Sean Baker.
The Arab film industry was equally well-represented, with stars like Arwa Gouda, Ilham Shahin, Yasmine Sabri, Hana El Zahed, Saba Mubarak, Hassan El Raddad, Amy Samir Ghanem, Jamal Suleiman, Mai Omar, and Mohamed Samy all in attendance. This strong showing highlights the growing importance of Arab cinema on the international stage.
برنامج المهرجان: 111 فيلمًا من 70 دولة
This year’s Red Sea Film Festival boasts an impressive lineup of 111 films from over 70 countries. The festival aims to bring together filmmakers and talent from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and showcasing a wide range of cinematic voices.
The prestigious “Red Sea Competition” (مسابقة البحر الأحمر) features 16 feature films, animated films, and documentaries from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa, all vying for the Yasir Awards. Notably, three Arab films are competing: “Hijra” (هجرة) by Saudi director Shahd Amin, “Stars of Hope and Pain” (نجوم الأمل والألم) by Lebanese filmmaker Cyril Aris, and “Drowning” (غرق) by Jordanian director Zain Dreaei.
دعم السينما السعودية
The festival also provides a platform for emerging Saudi filmmakers through the “New Saudi Cinema” (السينما السعودية الجديدة) program, showcasing the latest short and feature-length films from the Kingdom. This initiative is crucial for nurturing local talent and promoting Saudi storytelling. The festival’s commitment to supporting local productions is a key aspect of its mission.
سوق البحر الأحمر: منصة للتعاون السينمائي
Alongside the film screenings, the “Red Sea Market” (سوق البحر الأحمر) is underway, bringing together over 140 exhibitors from 32 countries. This market serves as a vital hub for collaboration between artists, producers, and distributors, facilitating the exploration of new projects within the global film industry. It’s a significant opportunity for networking and securing funding for future productions. This aspect of the film festival is increasingly important for the growth of the industry.
فيلم الافتتاح “العملاق” وتكريمات النجوم
The festival opened with the screening of “Giant” (العملاق), a British film directed by Rowan Athale, inspired by the life story of Yemeni-British boxing champion Naseem Hamed. Festival CEO Faisal Baltiur stated the film “represents a model of convergence between East and West,” emphasizing the power of its inspiring narrative. The film stars Amir El-Masry as Naseem Hamed and Pierce Brosnan as his Irish trainer, Brendan Ingle, and is scheduled for global release on December 8th.
The opening ceremony also included tributes to several iconic figures in world cinema. British legend Michael Caine was honored, appearing on stage in a wheelchair accompanied by his three grandchildren, reflecting on his long and illustrious career and his two Academy Awards.
French actress Juliette Binoche was also recognized, sharing her artistic journey and deep connection to acting, stating that her profession has been a part of her self-discovery. Algerian director Rachid Bouchareb was similarly honored, reminiscing about his parents’ time in Jeddah decades ago and praising the city’s culture. Finally, Hong Kong action film choreographer and director Stanley Tong received a tribute for his contributions to the genre.
The Red Sea International Film Festival continues to be a beacon for cinematic excellence and cultural exchange. With its diverse program, commitment to supporting emerging talent, and vibrant market, it’s poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of film. The festival’s dedication to showcasing stories from around the world, particularly from the Arab region, makes it a unique and valuable event. Stay tuned for updates and highlights throughout the festival’s run, from December 4th to 13th.
For more information and the full festival schedule, visit the official website: https://redseafilm.com/ (Replace with actual link if needed).
