As soon to be as renowned worldwide as its namesake, the Red Sea Film Festival is a remarkable celebration of the Kingdom’s on-screen talent. Each year, a compelling display of 130 + feature and short films showcases the blooming talent from the region and internationally. Not only does this rapidly growing event garner A-lister's attention, but it is also tasked with the feat of reconstructing Saudi’s cinema industry from the ground-up.
Everything you need to know about the Red Sea Film Festival
2023’s winner of the Golden Yusr “In Flames”, directed by Zarrar Kahn drew the attention of high-octane celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Nicolas Cage, Hally Berry, Sharon Stone, Diane Kruger, Michelle Williams, Johnny Depp, Baz Luhrman, and many more. This fourth iteration of this international film festival has quite the high bar to face. We discuss the history of the event, the all-important dates and the who’s-who of the attendees.
What is the Red Sea Film Festival?
The Red Sea Film Festival’s mission is to become the most significant celebration of film culture in the Arab world. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Culture has created this initiative to promote and honour the movie industry that is poised for growth. Over ten days, the Red Sea Film Festival celebrates the best of local and international filmmaking talents.
History of the Red Sea Film Festival
While it may be less seasoned than some film festivals, the Red Sea has already made its stamp in the cinematic sphere. Since its inception in 2021, it has been dedicated to spotlighting Saudi's burgeoning film-making scene. It was established a mere four years after lifting a 35-year-standing cinema ban in the Kingdom, to the delight of emerging artists and cinephiles.
When and where does the Red Sea Film Festival take place?
Nestled on the banks of the sea from which it gets its name, the Red Sea Festival 2024 will run from 8th - 18th of December in Jeddah, while the third edition ran from 30th November - 9th of December. The date is usually announced months in advance. Jeddah Old Town juxtaposes fresh and budding talent with its ancient beauty making it a fitting location.
In 2023 the main festival venue was the Ritz-Carlton Hotel which hosted the following:
- Red Carpet
- Red Sea Gala Theatre
- Red Sea Lounge
- Vanity Fair Lounge
- Red Sea Souk
- Welcome Zone
- Festival Garden
Red Sea Film Festival Themes
2022’s festival theme encompassed the significance of this art form:” Film is Everything”.
The concept for the 2023 edition serves as an inspiration for filmmakers: “Your Story, Your Festival”. Manifesting ideas of connection, diversity and cultural exchange, this ten-day Festival for filmmakers was particularly creative, bold and artistic.
The 2024 theme has yet to be announced.
Additionally, the Red Sea Film Foundation, in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival, recently hosted a gala celebrating “Women in Cinema”.
How to get invited to the Red Sea Film Festival?
Despite its growing popularity and cinematic prowess, attendance to this cinematic experience is not as restrictive as others (yet). Industry professionals can apply for accreditation while film buffs have the option of purchasing early bird ticket bundles. Another way to gain exclusive access is to volunteer in festival-organised workshops. In 2023 visitors could purchase their tickets in person at their Ritz-Carlton Jeddah Hotel Box Office.
