Written by Kianna Best on Nov 6, 2023. Posted in Awards and Festivals

The Red Sea International Film Festival returns for 2023 edition

 Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival is set to run its third edition from 30 November to 9 December in Jeddah. Announcing today the majority of it lineup, the festival will feature a slew of projects from the MENA region, including 11 feature films from Saudi Arabia itself. Themed as Your Story, Your Festival, this year’s celebration intends to be a showcase appreciating the growth of the local industry. Presiding over international jury will be filmmaker Baz Lurhmann.

Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation and Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Managing Director of the Red Sea International Film Festival said: “Our theme this year of Your Stories, Your Festival, is borne out by the incredible selection of films from the region – which spans both masters as well as debut filmmakers who are testament to the wealth of talent on offer from this part of the world, which is so important to showcase in all its diversity. We feel it is particularly timely to use the medium of film to look at what connects us, and to give a platform to the voices and experiences of people in our region and beyond to foster insight, understanding and compassion. We look forward to once again welcoming the global film community in Jeddah for our third edition.”

Four Daughters| courtesy of TIFF

Today, The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) announced the details of its film selections for this year from Saudi Arabia, along with the Arab Spectacular and Red Sea: Competition feature strands. Running from 30 November to 9 December, this year’s festival will include projects such as Maïwenn’s Cannes opening historical romance Jeanne du Barry, Kaouther Ben Hania’s Four Daughters, nominated as Tunisia’s submission for International Feature at the forthcoming Academy, Amjad Al Rasheed’s gripping thriller Inshallah A Boy, Zarra Kahn’s horror debut In Flames, Amanda Nell Eu’s Tiger Stripes and Baloji’s Omen.

Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programs, says, “The Red Sea: Competition highlights the complexities of the modern world, as societal norms change, which presents a challenge to families, patriarchy and peaceful co-existence. These films from Asia and Africa, including the Arab world, are a stark reminder of the many issues facing humanity today.”

11 titles will feature in the Arab Spectacular, including Tamer Ruggli’s acclaimed debut Back to Alexandria, starring Nadine Labaki and Fanny Ardant as a daughter and mother, directorial debut from music video director Yasir Alyasiri starring Baraa Alem and Nour Alkhadra. Humorous thriller from  Meshal Al Jaser called NAGA, and the Godus Brothers presentation of Fever Dream.

17 films, narratives and documentaries will screen at this year’s festival, including projects from Asia, Africa and the Arab world. Tawfik Alzaidi’s Norah, shot entirely in AlUla, will see its world premiere alongside feature directorial debut Backstage from duo Afef Ben Mahmoud and Khalil Benkirane. Farah Nabulsi will also present her debut The Teacher, as well as Six Feet Over from Karim Bensala and Parviz Shahbazi’s feature Roxana.

Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programs and Film Classics says, “The vibrancy of Arab cinema, particularly in Saudi Arabia, stands as a testament to the region's flourishing film industry. Arab filmmakers boldly confront sensitive themes, weaving together narratives that explore family dynamics, patriotism, and the rediscovery of values.  Arab cinema is increasingly mirroring the realities of everyday life. In addition to a programme which celebrates the richness of Arab, African and Asian filmmaking talent – we are proud to present projects from 31 female filmmakers overall, backing our commitment to women in cinema.”