JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia. Fifth issue of the magazine International Film Festival on the Red SeaOne of the largest film festivals in the Middle East opened Thursday in the coastal city of Jeddah, marking a major moment for the kingdom's growing film industry.
The Red Sea International Film Festival, running from December 4 to 13, brings together filmmakers and talent from around the world, showcasing over 100 films from over 70 countries.
The festival's prestigious Red Sea Competition feature features a selection of 16 feature films, animations and documentaries from the Arab world, Asia and Africa, vying for the highest honor: the Yusr Awards, which will be presented at the closing ceremony.
The festival takes place in the Al Balad area of Jeddah. UNESCO World Heritage Site – a combination of Saudi heritage with international cinema.
This year the selection jury is headed by Oscar-winning director Sean Bakerbest known for “Anora”, which won five Oscarsfour of which went to Sean Baker himself.
“This festival is really exciting because it has gotten so big over the last five years,” Baker said. “Rarely do I see a festival that just explodes in terms of importance and impact on world cinema.”
The festival opens with “Giant”, the true story of legendary British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed. The film stars Egyptian-British actor Amir El-Masry as Hamed and Pierce Brosnan starring his Irish trainer Brendan Ingle, and directed by British filmmaker Rowan Athale.
“It was probably one of the toughest roles I've ever played,” El-Masry said, noting that his preparation included four and a half weeks of training, during which he lost about eight kilograms.
“This project has been something I’ve been passionate about for a long time,” Atale said. “I come from a similar area – a few miles from Naz, actually. He was my hero growing up, especially since the area is multiracial. I've always wanted to make a film about him. So it's a privilege to make it.”
Reflecting on the premiere, he added: “For this film to premiere here – I mean, look at it. I've never seen anything like it. Not at Cannes or anywhere else. It's daunting, it's daunting, but it's an honor.”
The opening night saw a wide range of international stars including Hollywood and Bollywood figures including Adrien Brody, Sir Michael Caine, Vin Diesel and Ana de Armas walking the red carpet.
veteran actor Giancarlo Espositoalso present at the festival, said the gathering reflected the unifying power of cinema. “The celebration at the Red Sea Film Festival is really about celebrating cinema,” he said.
The Red Sea International Film Festival was founded by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture with the support of the Red Sea Film Foundation. It is funded by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund, sovereign wealth fund and private donors. It has a vital role to play in promoting regional filmmakers and developing global connections.
The festival is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, which include diversifying the economy, strengthening cultural infrastructure and developing local creative talent.
The development comes as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in sectors such as film, gaming and sports as part of its wider transformation efforts. However, various human rights groups have criticized these actions, saying they serve to distract attention from human rights situation in the kingdomincluding high rates of executions and restrictions on freedom of expression.
