Red Sea Film Festival off to a dazzling start in Jeddah

The Red Sea International Film Festival is finally underway in Jeddah, two years after it was initially set to launch.

Less than 24 hours after the closing ceremony of the first Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix, another historic moment for the Kingdom and the city of Jeddah, the festival, postponed due to the coronavirus disease pandemic, is set to run until Dec. 15.

It will feature the world premieres of selected films made by up-and-coming Saudi Arabian talent, with 138 films from over 60 countries on show.

RSIFF Chairman Mohammed AlTurki said the festival will “serve (as) a launchpad for young Saudi and Arab talent and support the development of our flourishing industry.”

Saudi actress Sumaya Rida, who starred in the Saudi film “Rupture,” said how much of an honor it was to represent the Kingdom in the film industry.

“I had the opportunity to be part of two films for the festival,” she said.

“There are many other great Saudi films, and I am honestly very excited to watch these works.”

The festival’s movies are divided into 11 sections: Competition, Short Film Competition, International Spectacular, Arab Spectacular, Festival Favorites, New Saudi/ New Cinema (Feature), New Saudi/ New Cinema (Shorts), Treasures, Next Generation, Immersive and Episodic.

The Saudi films that will screen include “Junoon” by directors Maan B. and Yaser B. Khalid, “Route 10” by Omar Naim, “Quareer” by Ragheed Al-Nahdi, Norah Almowald, Ruba Khafagy, Fatma Alhazmi, and Noor Alameer, and “Fay’s Palette” by Anas Ba-Tahaf.