The Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 – A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has returned to Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district for its fourth edition, running from December 5 to 14, 2024. With its theme, "The New Home of Film," the festival transforms this UNESCO World Heritage site into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, stars, and cinephiles from around the globe.

Festival Highlights: A Global Cinematic Showcase

1. Opening Film:
   The festival commenced with "The Tale of Daye's Family," an Egyptian-Saudi co-production directed by Karim Elshenawy. This heartwarming tale follows Daye, a young Nubian albino boy with a remarkable voice, as he journeys from Aswan to Cairo to audition for The Voice.

2. Film Lineup:
   RSIFF is showcasing an impressive selection of over 120 films from 81 countries, including:

• 48 World Premieres

• 66 Arab Films

• 34 Saudi Productions

• 54 Short Films

• 63 Feature Films

3. Notable entries include:

• Pablo Larraín's Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie as opera legend Maria Callas.

• Michael Gracey's Better Man, a biopic reimagining the life of British pop icon Robbie Williams.

4. International Spectacular Strand:
   This year’s lineup features highly anticipated films such as:

• Gabriele Salvatores' Napoli – New York, based on a story by Federico Fellini.

• R.T. Thorne’s 40 Acres, a post-apocalyptic narrative focusing on a Black family defending their homestead.

Spotlight on Iconic Guests and Honorees

RSIFF 2024 has attracted global stars and cinema legends, cementing its reputation as a premier event in the entertainment world.

• Honorees:

• Viola Davis, Academy Award winner, and Mona Zaki, acclaimed Egyptian actress, are being celebrated for their exceptional contributions to cinema.

• Both stars are headlining the "In Conversation" series, sharing insights into their illustrious careers.

• Celebrity Appearances:
  The red carpet dazzled with appearances by:

• Eva Longoria, in a stunning metallic gold gown.

• Catherine Zeta-Jones, in an elegant blue satin ensemble.

Empowering the Film Industry: Red Sea Souk

RSIFF continues to invest in the growth of regional filmmakers through its industry market, the Red Sea Souk, which awarded over $900,000 in prizes this year.

• The top honor, the $75,000 Red Sea Souk Production Award, was presented to Katia Jarjoura’s "Robbing Beirut," a Lebanon-France co-production.

By supporting regional talent and fostering international collaborations, RSIFF demonstrates its commitment to shaping the future of cinema in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Cinematic Innovation

Since its inception in 2019, RSIFF has become a beacon for cultural exchange and cinematic excellence. By spotlighting films from diverse backgrounds, honoring industry pioneers, and creating opportunities for emerging talent, RSIFF reflects the dynamic evolution of Saudi Arabia’s film industry.

This year’s festival is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to storytelling that bridges cultures and celebrates creativity, aligning perfectly with its Vision 2030 goals of cultural enrichment and global engagement.

As RSIFF 2024 unfolds, it not only celebrates the magic of cinema but also cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for creativity and innovation in film. With every edition, the festival inspires filmmakers and audiences alike, proving that the art of storytelling knows no boundaries.