On Sunday night on the island of Lido — amid the goings on of the 81st Venice Film Festival — amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, held its annual gala. The World Gold Council, the Red Sea International Film Festival, Chopard, Campari and the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Hotel made the night possible, along with the support of Uber, Boroli Wines and Rumor Rosé, as the event took place at Hangar Nicelli.
Guests arrived in gowns and black tie attire to the airport by boat and took photos on the blue carpet, then enjoyed the cocktail hour with a bar by Campari. Attendees also posed with photos at the amfAR photo booth, and socialized around the art that would be auctioned off at the gala.
Swizz Beatz, honoree Mohammed Al Turki and Zac Efron
Julian Lennon told The Hollywood Reporter at the event that he’s “always wanted to be able to...
Guests arrived in gowns and black tie attire to the airport by boat and took photos on the blue carpet, then enjoyed the cocktail hour with a bar by Campari. Attendees also posed with photos at the amfAR photo booth, and socialized around the art that would be auctioned off at the gala.
Swizz Beatz, honoree Mohammed Al Turki and Zac Efron
Julian Lennon told The Hollywood Reporter at the event that he’s “always wanted to be able to...
- 9/3/2024
- by Allyson Portee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
So many stars stepped out to support Nicole Kidman and her Babygirl castmates at the Venice Film Festival premiere of their new movie on Friday (August 30) in Venice, Italy.
The 57-year-old Oscar winner stars in the erotic thriller from director Halina Reijn alongside Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde and Antonio Banderas, who all attended the premiere.
Antonio made a rare red carpet appearance with his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel!
A multitude of other stars attended the event to show support. The list includes the likes of Lili Reinhart and Chase Stokes. With such a large guestlist, we pulled together the photos so that you could easily see who was there and what they wore.
Head inside to see photos of everyone who attended the premiere…
Keep scrolling to see photos of everyone who attended the Babygirl premiere at the 2024 Venice Film Festival…
Nicole Kidman
Fyi: Nicole is wearing Schiaparelli FW24 Couture.
Harris...
The 57-year-old Oscar winner stars in the erotic thriller from director Halina Reijn alongside Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde and Antonio Banderas, who all attended the premiere.
Antonio made a rare red carpet appearance with his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel!
A multitude of other stars attended the event to show support. The list includes the likes of Lili Reinhart and Chase Stokes. With such a large guestlist, we pulled together the photos so that you could easily see who was there and what they wore.
Head inside to see photos of everyone who attended the premiere…
Keep scrolling to see photos of everyone who attended the Babygirl premiere at the 2024 Venice Film Festival…
Nicole Kidman
Fyi: Nicole is wearing Schiaparelli FW24 Couture.
Harris...
- 8/30/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
More stars are heading to Italy to join amfAR at the organization’s annual fundraiser during the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Kate Beckinsale is set to host the black-tie gala, which will feature performances by longtime amfAR supporter Kelly Rowland and actress-turned-singer Rumer Willis. As previously announced, veteran actor Richard Gere will be presented with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration while film producer and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki, former CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival, will be honored with a philanthropic leadership award.
Event Chairs include Jomana Al Rashid, Achille Boroli, Willem Dafoe, Matteo Fantacchiotti, Alejandra Gere, Andrei Gillott, Harry Goodwins, Lucien Laviscount, Julian Lennon, Catherine O’Hara, Caroline Scheufele, David Tait, Emir Uyar, Jon Watts, amfAR board members Tony Mancilla and Vin Roberti, and amfAR board co-chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy.
Set to take place on Sept. 1, amfAR Venezia will be hosted at Hangar Nicelli on the Lido.
Kate Beckinsale is set to host the black-tie gala, which will feature performances by longtime amfAR supporter Kelly Rowland and actress-turned-singer Rumer Willis. As previously announced, veteran actor Richard Gere will be presented with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration while film producer and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki, former CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival, will be honored with a philanthropic leadership award.
Event Chairs include Jomana Al Rashid, Achille Boroli, Willem Dafoe, Matteo Fantacchiotti, Alejandra Gere, Andrei Gillott, Harry Goodwins, Lucien Laviscount, Julian Lennon, Catherine O’Hara, Caroline Scheufele, David Tait, Emir Uyar, Jon Watts, amfAR board members Tony Mancilla and Vin Roberti, and amfAR board co-chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy.
Set to take place on Sept. 1, amfAR Venezia will be hosted at Hangar Nicelli on the Lido.
- 8/22/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AmfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, has announced this year’s honorees at its upcoming Venice International Film Festival gala, amfAR Venezia.
Richard Gere will be recognized with the Award of Inspiration. “Few in the entertainment industry have done as much as Richard Gere to advance the fight against AIDS,” amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost said in a statement on Monday morning. “His humanitarian instincts and deep desire to help those on the margins of society, make him an inspiration to us all here at amfAR.”
Film producer, businessman, philanthropist and former Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Mohammed Al Turki will be presented with the Philanthropic Leadership Award. “Thanks in part to Mohammed Al Turki’s leadership, The Red Sea International Film Festival has been a loyal supporter of amfAR’s work for many years, and through their generosity and partnership, they have helped advance our lifesaving research,” Frost said.
Richard Gere will be recognized with the Award of Inspiration. “Few in the entertainment industry have done as much as Richard Gere to advance the fight against AIDS,” amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost said in a statement on Monday morning. “His humanitarian instincts and deep desire to help those on the margins of society, make him an inspiration to us all here at amfAR.”
Film producer, businessman, philanthropist and former Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Mohammed Al Turki will be presented with the Philanthropic Leadership Award. “Thanks in part to Mohammed Al Turki’s leadership, The Red Sea International Film Festival has been a loyal supporter of amfAR’s work for many years, and through their generosity and partnership, they have helped advance our lifesaving research,” Frost said.
- 8/5/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Emma Roberts, the well-known actor and niece of Julia Roberts, recently got engaged to actor Cody John. The couple announced their engagement with a heartfelt post on social media. In it, the Scream Queens star flaunted her stunning engagement ring, much to the delight of fans and followers. Learn more about Roberts’ new bling and fiancé here.
Emma Roberts and Cody John before a 2024 Lacoste fashion show | Julien De Rosa/Afp via Getty Images
Roberts’ romance with John reportedly began in August 2022 when they were introduced by mutual friends. Both being actors, the We’re the Millers star and In the Dark actor have a lot in common. John and Roberts’ relationship quickly blossomed, with the pair often spotted together at Hollywood events and on casual outings. Both Roberts and John keep their relationship relatively private, sharing glimpses of their life together only occasionally on social media.
Cody John and Emma...
Emma Roberts and Cody John before a 2024 Lacoste fashion show | Julien De Rosa/Afp via Getty Images
Roberts’ romance with John reportedly began in August 2022 when they were introduced by mutual friends. Both being actors, the We’re the Millers star and In the Dark actor have a lot in common. John and Roberts’ relationship quickly blossomed, with the pair often spotted together at Hollywood events and on casual outings. Both Roberts and John keep their relationship relatively private, sharing glimpses of their life together only occasionally on social media.
Cody John and Emma...
- 7/24/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Saudi producer Mohammed Al-Turki is stepping down as CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation, the parent organization of Saudi’s top fest, which is the leading market in the region and a key driver in the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to build a film and TV industry.
Al-Turki, who remains on board as an adviser, will return to focusing on “personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman,” a Red Sea foundation statement said.
While the selection of his successor is underway, Mohammed Asseri, who is a former Red Sea Film Foundation board member, will step in during the interim as the foundation’s acting CEO.
Last month, Saudi Arabia landed its first movie in Cannes Film Festival’s official selection with “Norah,” a drama by pioneering director Tawfik Alzaidi set in 1990s Saudi, when conservatism was at its height. The film premiered...
Al-Turki, who remains on board as an adviser, will return to focusing on “personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman,” a Red Sea foundation statement said.
While the selection of his successor is underway, Mohammed Asseri, who is a former Red Sea Film Foundation board member, will step in during the interim as the foundation’s acting CEO.
Last month, Saudi Arabia landed its first movie in Cannes Film Festival’s official selection with “Norah,” a drama by pioneering director Tawfik Alzaidi set in 1990s Saudi, when conservatism was at its height. The film premiered...
- 6/5/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Der CEO des Trägers des Red Sea International Film Festival im saudi-arabischen Jeddah will sich künftig u.a. auf seine Tätigkeit als unabhängiger Filmproduzent konzentrieren.
Mohammed Al-Turki, hier auf dem Festival de Cannes im Mai, ist als CEO der Red Sea Film Foundation zurückgetreten (Credit: Imago / Abacapress)
Mohammad Al-Turki, CEO der Red Sea Film Foundation, ist von seinem Amt zurückgetreten, um sich künftig auf persönliche Projekte wie seine Tätigkeit als unabhängiger Filmproduzent konzentrieren zu können. Das gab der Ende 2017 nach der Aufhebung des Kinoverbots in Saudi-Arabien gegründete Träger des Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah jetzt bekannt.
„Wir blicken zurück auf die vergangenen drei Jahre und die Dinge, an denen das Team der Red Sea Film Foundation unermüdlich gearbeitet hat, und sind Mohammed Al-Turki zu Dank verpflichtet, der eine Schlüsselrolle dabei gespielt hat, das Team und die Stiftung dorthin zu führen, wo sie heute steht. Wir freuen uns darauf,...
Mohammed Al-Turki, hier auf dem Festival de Cannes im Mai, ist als CEO der Red Sea Film Foundation zurückgetreten (Credit: Imago / Abacapress)
Mohammad Al-Turki, CEO der Red Sea Film Foundation, ist von seinem Amt zurückgetreten, um sich künftig auf persönliche Projekte wie seine Tätigkeit als unabhängiger Filmproduzent konzentrieren zu können. Das gab der Ende 2017 nach der Aufhebung des Kinoverbots in Saudi-Arabien gegründete Träger des Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah jetzt bekannt.
„Wir blicken zurück auf die vergangenen drei Jahre und die Dinge, an denen das Team der Red Sea Film Foundation unermüdlich gearbeitet hat, und sind Mohammed Al-Turki zu Dank verpflichtet, der eine Schlüsselrolle dabei gespielt hat, das Team und die Stiftung dorthin zu führen, wo sie heute steht. Wir freuen uns darauf,...
- 6/5/2024
- by Jochen Müller
- Spot - Media & Film
Mohammed Al-Turki, the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, is stepping down with board member Mohammed Asseri appointed as acting CEO.
Al-Turki plans to focus on personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman, and will continue to support the Red Sea Film Foundation leadership team as an advisor.
The Foundation runs the Red Sea International Film Festival and its funding programmes have supported over 250 projects from Saudi, Mena and Africa and Asia.
The selection of a successor is underway.
Al-Turki’s departure comes after four titles supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation recently played at Cannes.
Al-Turki plans to focus on personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman, and will continue to support the Red Sea Film Foundation leadership team as an advisor.
The Foundation runs the Red Sea International Film Festival and its funding programmes have supported over 250 projects from Saudi, Mena and Africa and Asia.
The selection of a successor is underway.
Al-Turki’s departure comes after four titles supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation recently played at Cannes.
- 6/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation has announced that Mohammed Al-Turki is stepping down as its CEO to focus on personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman.
The body, which was created in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s lifting in late 2017 of its cinema ban, oversees the Jeddah-set Red Sea International Film Festival and is also charged with helping to build a cinema ecosystem in the country.
Under Al Turki’s watch, the foundation held the first three editions of the Rsiff and supported 250 projects from Saudi, Mena and Africa and Asia.
The foundation said the search for a successor was underway and that in the interim, former Red Sea Film Foundation board member Mohammed Asseri was stepping in as acting CEO.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra remains in place as managing director of the foundation and Al-Turki will continue to support the leadership team in an advisory role.
The body, which was created in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s lifting in late 2017 of its cinema ban, oversees the Jeddah-set Red Sea International Film Festival and is also charged with helping to build a cinema ecosystem in the country.
Under Al Turki’s watch, the foundation held the first three editions of the Rsiff and supported 250 projects from Saudi, Mena and Africa and Asia.
The foundation said the search for a successor was underway and that in the interim, former Red Sea Film Foundation board member Mohammed Asseri was stepping in as acting CEO.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra remains in place as managing director of the foundation and Al-Turki will continue to support the leadership team in an advisory role.
- 6/5/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The Red Sea Film Foundation, which organizes the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, unveiled a leadership update on Wednesday, including the transition of Mohammed Al Turki from his CEO post to an advisor role.
“Al Turki will continue to support the leadership team while he returns to focus on personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman,” it said. “The selection of a successor is underway and in the interim, former board member of the Red Sea Film Foundation Mohammed Asseri will step in as acting CEO of the foundation.”
The Red Sea Film Foundation recently had a landmark Cannes Film Festival which saw four titles supported by the organization selected for the festival. This included Tawfik Alzaidi’s Norah, which had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December and made history as the first Saudi film to...
“Al Turki will continue to support the leadership team while he returns to focus on personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman,” it said. “The selection of a successor is underway and in the interim, former board member of the Red Sea Film Foundation Mohammed Asseri will step in as acting CEO of the foundation.”
The Red Sea Film Foundation recently had a landmark Cannes Film Festival which saw four titles supported by the organization selected for the festival. This included Tawfik Alzaidi’s Norah, which had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December and made history as the first Saudi film to...
- 6/5/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Arab Cinema Center has published this year's “Golden 101”, its annual list of the 101 most influential figures in Arab cinema in its 22nd edition of Arab Cinema Magazine, which is being circulated at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival and can be accessed on the Marché du Film website.
Celebrating individuals and institutions who have made the most significant impact on the Arab film industry over the past twelve months, this year's Golden 101 comprises of 13 directors, 16 producers, 14 actors, five crew members, 18 distributors from 12 institutions, 12 executives from 10 governmental cinema institutions, 11 executives from seven video-on-demand platforms, 11 representatives from seven festivals, and seven executives from film financing institutions.
Commenting on this year's Golden 101 list, Colin Brown, Mad Solutions' Managing Partner for International Operations said; “These are the artists, artisans, and power brokers who have distinguished themselves this past year – and the rest of the world should pay attention to them if...
Celebrating individuals and institutions who have made the most significant impact on the Arab film industry over the past twelve months, this year's Golden 101 comprises of 13 directors, 16 producers, 14 actors, five crew members, 18 distributors from 12 institutions, 12 executives from 10 governmental cinema institutions, 11 executives from seven video-on-demand platforms, 11 representatives from seven festivals, and seven executives from film financing institutions.
Commenting on this year's Golden 101 list, Colin Brown, Mad Solutions' Managing Partner for International Operations said; “These are the artists, artisans, and power brokers who have distinguished themselves this past year – and the rest of the world should pay attention to them if...
- 5/17/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
The program for amfAR’s milestone 30th Cannes gala is growing.
Nick Jonas has booked a trip and will perform at the starry event which will also feature a “special musical moment” by Cher. Demi Moore is hosting the gala on May 23, a showing that will punctuate a busy festival for the veteran actress who has a film in competition, The Substance, and duties with Chopard as the jeweler’s godmother for a gala ceremony.
“We could not be more excited to add the amazing Nick Jonas to our Cannes lineup this year,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “We are grateful to him for recognizing the importance of amfAR’s work in the fight against AIDS and we know that, together with Demi Moore and Cher, he will make this an unforgettable evening.”
Chairs of gala include Mohammed Al-Turki, Pedro Almodóvar, Jonathan Bailey, Fan Bingbing, Angela Bassett, Odell Beckham, Jr.,...
Nick Jonas has booked a trip and will perform at the starry event which will also feature a “special musical moment” by Cher. Demi Moore is hosting the gala on May 23, a showing that will punctuate a busy festival for the veteran actress who has a film in competition, The Substance, and duties with Chopard as the jeweler’s godmother for a gala ceremony.
“We could not be more excited to add the amazing Nick Jonas to our Cannes lineup this year,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “We are grateful to him for recognizing the importance of amfAR’s work in the fight against AIDS and we know that, together with Demi Moore and Cher, he will make this an unforgettable evening.”
Chairs of gala include Mohammed Al-Turki, Pedro Almodóvar, Jonathan Bailey, Fan Bingbing, Angela Bassett, Odell Beckham, Jr.,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
So many celebrities have descended on Paris for the most fashionable time of the year – Fashion Week!
On Friday (January 19), a slew of stars stepped out to attend the Dior Homme Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show.
The guestlist included the likes of Rita Ora, Nicholas Hoult and Kate and Lila Moss. That’s still barely scratching the surface, too. We pulled together pics of everyone and arranged them for you to easily peruse inside.
Head inside to see all of the pics from the fashion show…
Keep scrolling to see photos of all of the celebrities at the Dior Homme Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show…
Lewis Hamilton
Rita Ora
Kate Moss
Lila Moss
Honey Dijon
Bryanboy
Baptiste Giabiconi
Amanda Lear
Nicholas Hoult
Miss Fame
Aron Piper
Alexander Roth
Bertrand Bonello
Edouard Philipponnat
Mohammed Al Turki
Chris Ivery
Saint Levant
Benito Skinner
Chase Hudson
Pusha T
Luther Ford
Younes Bendjima
Nic Kaufmann
Marc Forne
Yeonjun,...
On Friday (January 19), a slew of stars stepped out to attend the Dior Homme Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show.
The guestlist included the likes of Rita Ora, Nicholas Hoult and Kate and Lila Moss. That’s still barely scratching the surface, too. We pulled together pics of everyone and arranged them for you to easily peruse inside.
Head inside to see all of the pics from the fashion show…
Keep scrolling to see photos of all of the celebrities at the Dior Homme Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show…
Lewis Hamilton
Rita Ora
Kate Moss
Lila Moss
Honey Dijon
Bryanboy
Baptiste Giabiconi
Amanda Lear
Nicholas Hoult
Miss Fame
Aron Piper
Alexander Roth
Bertrand Bonello
Edouard Philipponnat
Mohammed Al Turki
Chris Ivery
Saint Levant
Benito Skinner
Chase Hudson
Pusha T
Luther Ford
Younes Bendjima
Nic Kaufmann
Marc Forne
Yeonjun,...
- 1/21/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
he Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) marked the closing of its third edition with a screening of Micheal Mann's Ferrari, a Red Sea International Film Financing project, and revealed the winners of its highly anticipated Yusr Awards. The festival also welcomed Hollywood icon Nicolas Cage, receiving a Red Sea Honoree award, and joining the 2023 Honoree line-up of Diane Kruger, Ranveer Singh, and Abdullah Al-Sadhan. Kristoffer Borgli's comedy horror Dream Scenario, starring Nicolas Cage, will screen as the Final Festival Gala on Saturday 9th December.
Two juries deliberated to finally select winners across 14 categories; led by Jury President Baz Luhrmann. Seventeen films in competition, as well as 23 shorts, were in the running for the coveted awards.
The festival this year celebrated its biggest year yet in terms of attendance – welcoming almost 6,000 accredited guests and selling more than 40,000 tickets across all screenings and In Conversations.
The Closing Ceremony...
Two juries deliberated to finally select winners across 14 categories; led by Jury President Baz Luhrmann. Seventeen films in competition, as well as 23 shorts, were in the running for the coveted awards.
The festival this year celebrated its biggest year yet in terms of attendance – welcoming almost 6,000 accredited guests and selling more than 40,000 tickets across all screenings and In Conversations.
The Closing Ceremony...
- 12/8/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
There were a bunch of Hollywood A-List stars in Saudi Arabia today for the closing night gala of the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival!
Gwyneth Paltrow, Andrew Garfield, and Halle Berry were some of the stars who walked the red carpet at the event on Thursday (December 7) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
More stars included Jason Statham, Henry Golding, Freida Pinto, Nicolas Cage, Alia Bhatt, Adrien Brody with girlfriend Georgina Chapman, Paz Vega, and Mohammed Al Turki.
Halle was joined on the red carpet by her boyfriend Van Hunt.
The Red Sea Film Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization created to support the film industry in Saudi Arabia in the production and distribution of films, as well as education on cinema. The Foundation’s initiatives support the ambitious plans for the Kingdom in the entertainment industries, with its pillars of a vibrant society, an ambitious nation and a thriving economy.
Comments...
Gwyneth Paltrow, Andrew Garfield, and Halle Berry were some of the stars who walked the red carpet at the event on Thursday (December 7) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
More stars included Jason Statham, Henry Golding, Freida Pinto, Nicolas Cage, Alia Bhatt, Adrien Brody with girlfriend Georgina Chapman, Paz Vega, and Mohammed Al Turki.
Halle was joined on the red carpet by her boyfriend Van Hunt.
The Red Sea Film Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization created to support the film industry in Saudi Arabia in the production and distribution of films, as well as education on cinema. The Foundation’s initiatives support the ambitious plans for the Kingdom in the entertainment industries, with its pillars of a vibrant society, an ambitious nation and a thriving economy.
Comments...
- 12/8/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Andrew Garfield spoke to an audience rich in Spider-Man fans about his career at the Red Sea Film Festival Thursday, sitting alongside Saudi producer and Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Mohammed Al Turki. The two have known each other since Garfield starred in Ramin Bahrani’s 2014 drama “99 Homes,” which Al Turki produced. “I’m currently out of work,” Garfield quipped. “So I’m just here to talk to Mo really.”
“I’m 40 years old now and I still get absolutely petrified,” Garfield said. “I have terrible impostor syndrome. I didn’t know it was a viable option to be an actor. I loved being an athlete. I hated school. I wasn’t strong enough to be a rugby player. It was my mother who suggested I look at doing something creative.”
Garfield spoke about his career from making a Doritos commercial when he was 21 to his early days in Hollywood,...
“I’m 40 years old now and I still get absolutely petrified,” Garfield said. “I have terrible impostor syndrome. I didn’t know it was a viable option to be an actor. I loved being an athlete. I hated school. I wasn’t strong enough to be a rugby player. It was my mother who suggested I look at doing something creative.”
Garfield spoke about his career from making a Doritos commercial when he was 21 to his early days in Hollywood,...
- 12/7/2023
- by John Bleasdale
- Variety Film + TV
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) is delighted to announce the winners of the Red Sea Souk Awards – vital funding and in-kind grants to develop and boost new talent from Saudi, Arab and African directors. Three juries deliberated to finally select nine winning feature ideas and two TV series, whose creative visions will now benefit from generous prizes awarded by the Red Sea Fund and its award partners.
A total of 24 new film projects screened as part of the Red Sea Souk, with 12 titles by filmmakers of African and Arab origin, alongside 12 Red Sea Lodge projects by Saudi, Arab and African directors which have been developed over the last year through intensive workshops and in partnership with the Torino Film Lab. The Red Sea Souk Project Market jury awards are supported by the Red Sea Fund, and in the selection were five Saudi projects, eight African projects...
A total of 24 new film projects screened as part of the Red Sea Souk, with 12 titles by filmmakers of African and Arab origin, alongside 12 Red Sea Lodge projects by Saudi, Arab and African directors which have been developed over the last year through intensive workshops and in partnership with the Torino Film Lab. The Red Sea Souk Project Market jury awards are supported by the Red Sea Fund, and in the selection were five Saudi projects, eight African projects...
- 12/7/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Andrew Garfield shared insights into his early days in Hollywood, experiences working on the Spider-Man franchise and thoughts about Red Sea International Festival Festival during his masterclass at the festival today.
He shared the stage with Saudi producer and Red Sea Film Foundation head Mohammed Al Turki, an old friend whom he’d worked with on indie feature 99 Homes in 2014. Directed by Iranian-us filmmaker Ramin Bahrani, 99 Homes was set during the recession period of the late 2000s when many Americans were losing their homes.
“It was an interesting group of us making that film,” Garfield remembered. “There was Ramin who was an American filmmaker but of a very different cultural heritage, then Mo of Saudi heritage and me of English heritage. So there was this melting pot bunch of people who felt maybe like they were outsiders in a certain way, telling a story about what it is to be an outsider.
He shared the stage with Saudi producer and Red Sea Film Foundation head Mohammed Al Turki, an old friend whom he’d worked with on indie feature 99 Homes in 2014. Directed by Iranian-us filmmaker Ramin Bahrani, 99 Homes was set during the recession period of the late 2000s when many Americans were losing their homes.
“It was an interesting group of us making that film,” Garfield remembered. “There was Ramin who was an American filmmaker but of a very different cultural heritage, then Mo of Saudi heritage and me of English heritage. So there was this melting pot bunch of people who felt maybe like they were outsiders in a certain way, telling a story about what it is to be an outsider.
- 12/7/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
The third edition of the Red Sea Souk, the market arm of the Red Sea Film Festival, awarded its top prize of $100,000 to “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Rani Massalha. Another eight feature projects and two TV series were awarded cash and in-kind prizes as part of the Red Souk Awards.
Massalha’s film, a co-production between Egypt, Tunisia and France, tells the story of Salem, a pig farmer in Egypt who is a Copt — a native Christian community in the country, often persecuted — amidst a breakout of the swine flu in 2009 that sends Egypt into a spiral of psychosis, leading the Mubarak government to pass a law to slaughter all the pigs.
In a statement, the writer-director said: “The pigs of Egypt were ‘sacrificed’ under political pressure and hysterical media coverage organized by the Muslim Brotherhood, crystalizing the structural violence of Egyptian social relations between communities.”
“Isn...
Massalha’s film, a co-production between Egypt, Tunisia and France, tells the story of Salem, a pig farmer in Egypt who is a Copt — a native Christian community in the country, often persecuted — amidst a breakout of the swine flu in 2009 that sends Egypt into a spiral of psychosis, leading the Mubarak government to pass a law to slaughter all the pigs.
In a statement, the writer-director said: “The pigs of Egypt were ‘sacrificed’ under political pressure and hysterical media coverage organized by the Muslim Brotherhood, crystalizing the structural violence of Egyptian social relations between communities.”
“Isn...
- 12/5/2023
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow are among the high-profile names that have been added to the popular ‘In-Conversation’ sidebar section at the third edition of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival. Scroll down for the full list of attendees.
Further In-Conversation add-ons include Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt and Catherine Martin.
They join previously announced attendees such as Ranveer Singh (Gully Boy), Katrina Kaif (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara), Yasmine Sabri (Bogeyman), Will Smith, Bollywood legend Karan Johar (My Name is Khan), and Baz Lurhmann, the head of this year’s competition jury at Red Sea.
“The In Conversation line-up this year has some of the most iconic names in entertainment from across the globe, who are each trailblazers in their fields,” Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea International Film, Festival said. “They are converging on Jeddah to give festival-goers an insight into their work and inspiration – from multihyphenate creators...
Further In-Conversation add-ons include Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt and Catherine Martin.
They join previously announced attendees such as Ranveer Singh (Gully Boy), Katrina Kaif (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara), Yasmine Sabri (Bogeyman), Will Smith, Bollywood legend Karan Johar (My Name is Khan), and Baz Lurhmann, the head of this year’s competition jury at Red Sea.
“The In Conversation line-up this year has some of the most iconic names in entertainment from across the globe, who are each trailblazers in their fields,” Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea International Film, Festival said. “They are converging on Jeddah to give festival-goers an insight into their work and inspiration – from multihyphenate creators...
- 12/2/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The third edition of the market comes as Saudi emerges as an increasingly important player in the international industry
The Saudi industry is setting out its stall to local and international execs arriving at the Red Sea International Film Festival’s market, the Red Sea Souk, which opens today (December 2).
Many of the country’s leading players are exhibiting in the Souk, including exhibitor / producers muvi Cinemas and Vox Cinemas, media hubs Neom and AlUla, producers Telfaz11 and Mbc Studios, distributor CineWaves Films through to production services outfit Yellow Camel Studios, vfx specialist Hecat Studios and industry organisations the Saudi...
The Saudi industry is setting out its stall to local and international execs arriving at the Red Sea International Film Festival’s market, the Red Sea Souk, which opens today (December 2).
Many of the country’s leading players are exhibiting in the Souk, including exhibitor / producers muvi Cinemas and Vox Cinemas, media hubs Neom and AlUla, producers Telfaz11 and Mbc Studios, distributor CineWaves Films through to production services outfit Yellow Camel Studios, vfx specialist Hecat Studios and industry organisations the Saudi...
- 12/2/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
“Your Story, Your Festival,” is the theme for this year‘s Red Sea International Film Festival, with organizers promising “a unique and powerful platform for celebrating film, connecting cultures and expanding horizons while welcoming stories from all walks of life.”
The festival’s third edition will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Alongside an international line-up that includes Michael Mann’s Ferrari, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Ava Duvernay’s Origin and Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, the Red Sea festival is a showcase for new Arab cinema.
Here’s The Hollywood Reporter‘s pick of six new titles from across the region that expand the image of Arab movies, ranging from a jinn fantasy romance and a coming-of-age drama to an adventure thriller featuring a vengeance-seeking camel.
Hwjn, opening film
A local Saudi Arabian movie will raise the curtain on the Red Sea Festival for the first time this year,...
The festival’s third edition will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Alongside an international line-up that includes Michael Mann’s Ferrari, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Ava Duvernay’s Origin and Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, the Red Sea festival is a showcase for new Arab cinema.
Here’s The Hollywood Reporter‘s pick of six new titles from across the region that expand the image of Arab movies, ranging from a jinn fantasy romance and a coming-of-age drama to an adventure thriller featuring a vengeance-seeking camel.
Hwjn, opening film
A local Saudi Arabian movie will raise the curtain on the Red Sea Festival for the first time this year,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival stands as testimony to the kingdom’s unwavering drive to become a film and TV industry powerhouse amid regional conflicts, political turbulence and societal changes.
The Israel-Hamas war caused cancellations of several movie celebrations across the Arab world, including the Cairo Film Festival and Tunisia’s Carthage Film Days. But Saudi’s rapidly growing fest is forging ahead undeterred with its third edition set to run Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea’s eastern shore.
In early October, after the war broke out, “we were assessing the situation day by day,” recalls pioneering Saudi producer and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki, the event’s CEO, who notes that Red Sea organizers at that point reached out to filmmakers in the Middle East and North Africa region for feedback “and they almost had a heart attack when we told them we might not continue.
The Israel-Hamas war caused cancellations of several movie celebrations across the Arab world, including the Cairo Film Festival and Tunisia’s Carthage Film Days. But Saudi’s rapidly growing fest is forging ahead undeterred with its third edition set to run Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea’s eastern shore.
In early October, after the war broke out, “we were assessing the situation day by day,” recalls pioneering Saudi producer and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki, the event’s CEO, who notes that Red Sea organizers at that point reached out to filmmakers in the Middle East and North Africa region for feedback “and they almost had a heart attack when we told them we might not continue.
- 11/29/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Diane Kruger, Indian actor Ranveer Singh, Joel Kinnaman, Freida Pinto and Paz Vega are set to add star power to the third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire, Knight of Cups), Vega (Sex and Lucía, The Oa), Kinnaman (Silent Night, For All Mankind, Suicide Squad) and Egypt’s Amina Khalil (Grand Hotel, Eugenie Nights) are joining the event’s main feature competition jury, which will be led by Baz Luhrmann.
The Red Sea: Shorts competition will be judged by jurors Hana Alomair, a Saudi writer, filmmaker and film critic behind Netflix series Whispers; French-Moroccan actor Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent, Whatever Lola Wants); and Turkish-German director, screenwriter and producer Fatih Akin (Head-On, In the Fade).
Organizers on Monday also unveiled that Singh, Kruger and Saudi actor and writer Abdullah Al-Sadhan will be honored at the fest.
“This year we are honoring Ranveer Singh,...
Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire, Knight of Cups), Vega (Sex and Lucía, The Oa), Kinnaman (Silent Night, For All Mankind, Suicide Squad) and Egypt’s Amina Khalil (Grand Hotel, Eugenie Nights) are joining the event’s main feature competition jury, which will be led by Baz Luhrmann.
The Red Sea: Shorts competition will be judged by jurors Hana Alomair, a Saudi writer, filmmaker and film critic behind Netflix series Whispers; French-Moroccan actor Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent, Whatever Lola Wants); and Turkish-German director, screenwriter and producer Fatih Akin (Head-On, In the Fade).
Organizers on Monday also unveiled that Singh, Kruger and Saudi actor and writer Abdullah Al-Sadhan will be honored at the fest.
“This year we are honoring Ranveer Singh,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diane Kruger, Bollywood star Ranveer Singh and Saudi actor-writer Abdullah Al-Sadhan are set to receive career honors at Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival, which has also announced its full jury roster.
Joining Baz Luhrmann, who is presiding over the main Red Sea jury, are Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman (“Suicide Squad”); Freida Pinto (“Slumdog Millionaire”); Egyptian actor Amina Khalil; (“Grand Hotel”) and Spain’s Paz Vega.
Meanwhile, Turkish-German director Fatih Akin, who directed Kruger in “In The Fade,” will be on the fest’s shorts competition jury alongside Saudi writer and film critic Hana Alomair, who is behind the Netflix Saudi Arabian original “Whispers,” and French-Moroccan actor Assad Bouab (“Call My Agent”).
Dubai-based Iraqi director Yasir Al-Yasiri’s “Hwjn” has been chosen as the opening film of Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival.
The fest’s third edition is set to kick off Nov.
Joining Baz Luhrmann, who is presiding over the main Red Sea jury, are Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman (“Suicide Squad”); Freida Pinto (“Slumdog Millionaire”); Egyptian actor Amina Khalil; (“Grand Hotel”) and Spain’s Paz Vega.
Meanwhile, Turkish-German director Fatih Akin, who directed Kruger in “In The Fade,” will be on the fest’s shorts competition jury alongside Saudi writer and film critic Hana Alomair, who is behind the Netflix Saudi Arabian original “Whispers,” and French-Moroccan actor Assad Bouab (“Call My Agent”).
Dubai-based Iraqi director Yasir Al-Yasiri’s “Hwjn” has been chosen as the opening film of Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival.
The fest’s third edition is set to kick off Nov.
- 11/27/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival has unveiled the juries and honorees of its third edition which kicks off on Thursday in the port city of Jeddah.
Baz Luhrmann, who was previously announced as the president of the jury for the main feature film competition, will be joined by Swedish-American Suicide Squad and For All Mankind actor Joel Kinnaman, Slumdog Millionaire Bafta nominee actor Freida Pinto, Egyptian Grand Hotel star Amina Khalil and Spanish actor Paz Vega.
The Red Sea: Shorts competition will be judged by leading Saudi writer, director and film critic Hana Alomair, French-Moroccan Call My Agent! star Assad Bouab and award-winning Turkish-German film director, screenwriter and producer Fatih Akin.
“We have a cohort of immense talent in this year’s jury, representing some of the leading creators of cinema from all corners of the world – and we are thrilled to...
Baz Luhrmann, who was previously announced as the president of the jury for the main feature film competition, will be joined by Swedish-American Suicide Squad and For All Mankind actor Joel Kinnaman, Slumdog Millionaire Bafta nominee actor Freida Pinto, Egyptian Grand Hotel star Amina Khalil and Spanish actor Paz Vega.
The Red Sea: Shorts competition will be judged by leading Saudi writer, director and film critic Hana Alomair, French-Moroccan Call My Agent! star Assad Bouab and award-winning Turkish-German film director, screenwriter and producer Fatih Akin.
“We have a cohort of immense talent in this year’s jury, representing some of the leading creators of cinema from all corners of the world – and we are thrilled to...
- 11/27/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Films from Sofia Coppola, Ava Duvernay, John Woo and Hayao Miyazaki to be screened.
Michael Mann’s Ferrari will receive its Mena premiere as the closing night film of the 3rd Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff), which has also unveiled the titles for its International Spectacular strand.
The hotly-tipped awards contender will close the festival on December 7 in the port city of Jeddah.
The film, starring Adam Driver as iconic car manufacturer Enzo Ferrari, received the backing of the Red Sea Film Foundation – the festival’s parent body – earlier this year
It received its world premiere in...
Michael Mann’s Ferrari will receive its Mena premiere as the closing night film of the 3rd Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff), which has also unveiled the titles for its International Spectacular strand.
The hotly-tipped awards contender will close the festival on December 7 in the port city of Jeddah.
The film, starring Adam Driver as iconic car manufacturer Enzo Ferrari, received the backing of the Red Sea Film Foundation – the festival’s parent body – earlier this year
It received its world premiere in...
- 11/22/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Rsiff) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia will wrap up its third edition next month with a closing-night gala screening on Dec. 7 of Ferrari, the biopic from Michael Mann starring Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley and Patrick Dempsey.
Organizers on Wednesday also unveiled the lineup for the International Spectacular program, which presents “cinema from around the globe and features celebrated auteurs and international filmmaking icons.” The festival highlighted that the section “showcases some of the most highly anticipated and talked about films of the year, screened for the first time in the Arab world.”
The International Spectacular program will also feature Sofia Coppola’s biopic Priscilla, Ava Duvernay’s Origin, John Woo’s Silent Night, Léa Domenach’s Bernadette (The President’s Wife), which sees Catherine Deneuve starring as former French first lady Bernadette Chirac, Aardman’s Sam Fell-directed Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,...
Organizers on Wednesday also unveiled the lineup for the International Spectacular program, which presents “cinema from around the globe and features celebrated auteurs and international filmmaking icons.” The festival highlighted that the section “showcases some of the most highly anticipated and talked about films of the year, screened for the first time in the Arab world.”
The International Spectacular program will also feature Sofia Coppola’s biopic Priscilla, Ava Duvernay’s Origin, John Woo’s Silent Night, Léa Domenach’s Bernadette (The President’s Wife), which sees Catherine Deneuve starring as former French first lady Bernadette Chirac, Aardman’s Sam Fell-directed Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,...
- 11/22/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Mann’s high octane biopic Ferrari has been announced as the closing picture of Saudi Arabia’s third Red Sea International Film Festival, running November 30 to December 9 in the port city of Jeddah.
The movie, starring Adam Driver as legendary Italian motor-racing driver and entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari, alongside Penelope Cruz and Shailene Woodley as his wife and lover respectively, world premiered at Venice and has since played a raft of festivals.
The closing night gala screening will mark the film’s Mena premiere, with Jeddah providing a fitting backdrop having hosted the first three editions of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on its waterfront Corniche Circuit since 2021.
Ferrari was among a raft of high-profile titles to receive the backing of the festival’s parent body the Red Sea Film Foundation earlier this year alongside Johnny Depp’s Modi and Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
“It is...
The movie, starring Adam Driver as legendary Italian motor-racing driver and entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari, alongside Penelope Cruz and Shailene Woodley as his wife and lover respectively, world premiered at Venice and has since played a raft of festivals.
The closing night gala screening will mark the film’s Mena premiere, with Jeddah providing a fitting backdrop having hosted the first three editions of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on its waterfront Corniche Circuit since 2021.
Ferrari was among a raft of high-profile titles to receive the backing of the festival’s parent body the Red Sea Film Foundation earlier this year alongside Johnny Depp’s Modi and Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
“It is...
- 11/22/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival will open its third edition, running from November 30 to December 9, with local movie Hwjn, a fantasy romance combining Arabian folklore with modern themes that unfolds against the backdrop of the event’s home of Jeddah.
Deadline exclusively revealed a trailer for the production earlier this year. Watch it here.
The choice of a Saudi movie marks a break with Red Sea’s first two editions – which kicked off with English-language features Cyrano and What’s Love Got To Do With It? in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Hwjn is the most ambitious production to date to come out of a partnership between major Gulf players Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Vox Studios and Mbc Studios first announced in Cannes in 2019.
“Opening the festival with a highly anticipated film like Hwjn is a momentous event,” Rsiff Arab Programs & Film Classics Director Antoine Khalife said of the opening night honor,...
Deadline exclusively revealed a trailer for the production earlier this year. Watch it here.
The choice of a Saudi movie marks a break with Red Sea’s first two editions – which kicked off with English-language features Cyrano and What’s Love Got To Do With It? in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Hwjn is the most ambitious production to date to come out of a partnership between major Gulf players Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Vox Studios and Mbc Studios first announced in Cannes in 2019.
“Opening the festival with a highly anticipated film like Hwjn is a momentous event,” Rsiff Arab Programs & Film Classics Director Antoine Khalife said of the opening night honor,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Story of a kind-hearted jinn is a co-production from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Mbc Studios and Vox Studios.
Red Sea International Film Festival has set the world premiere of Saudi feature Hwjn, directed by Yasir Al Yasiri, as its opening-night gala on November 30.
Adapted from the young adult fantasy novel by Ibraheem Abbas, Hwjn combines elements of Arabian folklore with modern themes.
A co-production from leading regional players Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Mbc Studios and Vox Studios, Hwjn is set in modern-day Jeddah and follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn. As he discovers the truth about his royal lineage,...
Red Sea International Film Festival has set the world premiere of Saudi feature Hwjn, directed by Yasir Al Yasiri, as its opening-night gala on November 30.
Adapted from the young adult fantasy novel by Ibraheem Abbas, Hwjn combines elements of Arabian folklore with modern themes.
A co-production from leading regional players Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Mbc Studios and Vox Studios, Hwjn is set in modern-day Jeddah and follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn. As he discovers the truth about his royal lineage,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Dubai-based Iraqi director Yasir Al-Yasiri’s “Hwjn” has been chosen as the opening film of Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival.
The fest’s third edition is set to run Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea’s eastern shore, which is also the city where “Hwjn” is set. The fantasy is based on the YA novel by Saudi writer Ibraheem Abbas which was a local literary phenomenon due to its pioneering combination of Western sci-fi tropes and Arabic culture and folklore.
Set in modern-day Jeddah, “Hwjn” follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn – as invisible creatures in pre-Islamic Arabia and later in Islamic culture and beliefs are known – as he discovers the truth about his royal lineage. The protagonist, named Baraa Alem, goes on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright and maintain his mental balance between the human and supernatural worlds.
“Hwjn” is one...
The fest’s third edition is set to run Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea’s eastern shore, which is also the city where “Hwjn” is set. The fantasy is based on the YA novel by Saudi writer Ibraheem Abbas which was a local literary phenomenon due to its pioneering combination of Western sci-fi tropes and Arabic culture and folklore.
Set in modern-day Jeddah, “Hwjn” follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn – as invisible creatures in pre-Islamic Arabia and later in Islamic culture and beliefs are known – as he discovers the truth about his royal lineage. The protagonist, named Baraa Alem, goes on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright and maintain his mental balance between the human and supernatural worlds.
“Hwjn” is one...
- 11/16/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The Red Sea International Film Festival will open with a local Saudi Arabian film for the first time, with Yasir Al Yasiri’s fantasy romance Hwjn set to raise the curtain on the third edition of the Jeddah event on Nov. 30.
Adapted from the best-selling young adult fantasy novel by Ibraheem Abbas, Hwjn blends Arabian folklore and modern themes for a story set in modern-day Jeddah and follows a kind-hearted jinn (Baraa Alem) on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright. Along the way, he meets and develops an unexpected romantic connection with Sawsan (Nour Alkhadra), a young medical student. Hwjn, which had already been announced as screening at the festival in the Arab Spectacular section, is one of the biggest projects to date under a 2018 production partnership between regional giants Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Mbc Studios and Vox Studios.
“The story of Hwjn is an epic tale of romance,...
Adapted from the best-selling young adult fantasy novel by Ibraheem Abbas, Hwjn blends Arabian folklore and modern themes for a story set in modern-day Jeddah and follows a kind-hearted jinn (Baraa Alem) on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright. Along the way, he meets and develops an unexpected romantic connection with Sawsan (Nour Alkhadra), a young medical student. Hwjn, which had already been announced as screening at the festival in the Arab Spectacular section, is one of the biggest projects to date under a 2018 production partnership between regional giants Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Mbc Studios and Vox Studios.
“The story of Hwjn is an epic tale of romance,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) has announced details of this year's selection of films from Saudi Arabia, alongside the Arab Spectacular and Red Sea: Competition features strands. Collectively, these strands will showcase the rich and varied work by established and new filmmakers from the region, including documentaries and titles produced by the Red Sea Film Foundation.
The third edition of the Rsiff – running from 30 November to 9 December – providesa unique and powerful platform for celebrating film, connecting cultures, and expanding horizons while welcoming stories from all walks of life. It is a comprehensive cinematic platform that promotes diversity in all facets of filmmaking, elevating it beyond just a film screening event. These ideas of diversity, connection, and cultural exchange are manifested in this year's theme; “Your Story, Your Festival”.
While celebrating cinema on a global scale, Red Sea Iff throws a spotlight on films made in the...
The third edition of the Rsiff – running from 30 November to 9 December – providesa unique and powerful platform for celebrating film, connecting cultures, and expanding horizons while welcoming stories from all walks of life. It is a comprehensive cinematic platform that promotes diversity in all facets of filmmaking, elevating it beyond just a film screening event. These ideas of diversity, connection, and cultural exchange are manifested in this year's theme; “Your Story, Your Festival”.
While celebrating cinema on a global scale, Red Sea Iff throws a spotlight on films made in the...
- 11/10/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut Woman Of The Hour and family drama Mother Couch, starring Ewan McGregor and Ellen Burstyn, are headed to the third edition of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival, running from November 30 to December 9 in the port city of Jeddah.
The titles will play in the Festival Favorites sidebar which was announced on Thursday alongside the event’s Red Sea: Treasures strand.
Kendrick directs and stars in Netflix-acquired drama Woman Of The Hour as a woman whose path crosses notorious serial killer Rodney Alcala, whilst in Niclas Larsson’s first film Mother Couch, McGregor plays a man whose mother squats the family furniture store.
Further films in the line-up – showcasing 21 buzzy festival titles from the last 12 months – include the David Oyelowo produced documentary Allihopa: The Dalkurd Story; Women’s World Cup doc Copa 71, executive produced by Serena and Venus Williams, Jennifer Esposito’s Fresh Kills,...
The titles will play in the Festival Favorites sidebar which was announced on Thursday alongside the event’s Red Sea: Treasures strand.
Kendrick directs and stars in Netflix-acquired drama Woman Of The Hour as a woman whose path crosses notorious serial killer Rodney Alcala, whilst in Niclas Larsson’s first film Mother Couch, McGregor plays a man whose mother squats the family furniture store.
Further films in the line-up – showcasing 21 buzzy festival titles from the last 12 months – include the David Oyelowo produced documentary Allihopa: The Dalkurd Story; Women’s World Cup doc Copa 71, executive produced by Serena and Venus Williams, Jennifer Esposito’s Fresh Kills,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival has announced the bulk of its lineup from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), signaling that the event is forging ahead with its third edition despite the Israel-Hamas war that has caused cancellations of several movie celebrations across the Arab world.
The fest’s third edition, set to run Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea’s eastern shore, will feature a slew of films from the Mena region and comprise 11 feature films from Saudi, underlining the local film industry’s growth. This year’s theme is “Your Story, Your Festival”.
There are two Saudi films in the 17-title competition dedicated to features from the Arab world as well as Africa and Asia. They are “Norah,” a drama by first-time helmer Tawfik Alzaidi set in 1990s Saudi Arabia, when conservatism was at its height, and Ali Alkalthami’s bold comedy “Mandoob...
The fest’s third edition, set to run Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea’s eastern shore, will feature a slew of films from the Mena region and comprise 11 feature films from Saudi, underlining the local film industry’s growth. This year’s theme is “Your Story, Your Festival”.
There are two Saudi films in the 17-title competition dedicated to features from the Arab world as well as Africa and Asia. They are “Norah,” a drama by first-time helmer Tawfik Alzaidi set in 1990s Saudi Arabia, when conservatism was at its height, and Ali Alkalthami’s bold comedy “Mandoob...
- 11/6/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The Red Sea International Film Festival has unveiled its selection of 36 movies from Saudi Arabia, as well as its Arab Spectacular and Red Sea: Competition lineups for this year’s third edition.
“Collectively, these strands will showcase the rich and varied work by established and new filmmakers from the region, including documentaries and titles produced by the Red Sea Film Foundation,” organizers said on Monday.
The program will put a spotlight on films made in the Middle East and North Africa region, featuring 36 feature-length and short films from Saudi Arabia. “The lineup includes internationally recognized talent plus new voices; from Maïwenn’s historical romance Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp which opened at Cannes with support from the Red Sea International Film Financing arm, to Kaouther Ben Hania with Four Daughters, nominated as Tunisia’s submission for international feature at the forthcoming Academy Awards,” the festival said. “Further directors selected...
“Collectively, these strands will showcase the rich and varied work by established and new filmmakers from the region, including documentaries and titles produced by the Red Sea Film Foundation,” organizers said on Monday.
The program will put a spotlight on films made in the Middle East and North Africa region, featuring 36 feature-length and short films from Saudi Arabia. “The lineup includes internationally recognized talent plus new voices; from Maïwenn’s historical romance Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp which opened at Cannes with support from the Red Sea International Film Financing arm, to Kaouther Ben Hania with Four Daughters, nominated as Tunisia’s submission for international feature at the forthcoming Academy Awards,” the festival said. “Further directors selected...
- 11/6/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival has unveiled it 2023 line-up and theme as it maintains its third edition against the backdrop of the escalating Israel-Gaza Conflict. (scroll down for full list)
The edition, running from November 30 to December 9 in the port city of Jeddah, will unfold under the theme of “Your Story, Your Festival”.
Among the key sections announced on Monday was the Red Sea International Film Festival: In Competition section which will showcase 17 narrative and documentary features from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.
Contenders include UK-Palestinian director Farah Nabulsi critically-acclaimed West Bank-set first feature The Teacher, Tunisian-Moroccan filmmaking couple Afef Ben Mahmoud and Khalil Benkirane’s Atlas Mountains-set, theatre troupe road movie Backstage, Tawfik Alzaidi’s Norah, which is billed as the first Saudi feature shot in the country’s growing location hub of AlUla, and Iranian director Parviz Shahbazi’s drama Roxana, for which its...
The edition, running from November 30 to December 9 in the port city of Jeddah, will unfold under the theme of “Your Story, Your Festival”.
Among the key sections announced on Monday was the Red Sea International Film Festival: In Competition section which will showcase 17 narrative and documentary features from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.
Contenders include UK-Palestinian director Farah Nabulsi critically-acclaimed West Bank-set first feature The Teacher, Tunisian-Moroccan filmmaking couple Afef Ben Mahmoud and Khalil Benkirane’s Atlas Mountains-set, theatre troupe road movie Backstage, Tawfik Alzaidi’s Norah, which is billed as the first Saudi feature shot in the country’s growing location hub of AlUla, and Iranian director Parviz Shahbazi’s drama Roxana, for which its...
- 11/6/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp, will have a special screening at the festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) has unveiled the line-up for its Competition and Arab Spectacular strands.
The festival will take place from November 30-December 9 in the port city of Jeddah under the theme ’Your Stories, Your Festival.’
Red Sea Iff’s line-up throws a spotlight on films made in the Mena region and includes 36 feature length and short films from Saudi Arabia, including documentaries and titles produced by the Red Sea Film Foundation.
The Competition strand includes 17 films from Asia,...
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) has unveiled the line-up for its Competition and Arab Spectacular strands.
The festival will take place from November 30-December 9 in the port city of Jeddah under the theme ’Your Stories, Your Festival.’
Red Sea Iff’s line-up throws a spotlight on films made in the Mena region and includes 36 feature length and short films from Saudi Arabia, including documentaries and titles produced by the Red Sea Film Foundation.
The Competition strand includes 17 films from Asia,...
- 11/6/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp, will have a special screening at the festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) has unveiled the line-up for its Competition and Arab Spectacular strands.
The festival, which takes place from November 30-December 9, will also give special screenings to Maïwenn’s historical romance Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp, which was supported by Red Sea’s financing arm and opened Cannes, and to Dhafer L’abidine’s Saudi-uae co-production To My Son, which world premieres at the festival.
Red Sea Iff’s line-up throws a spotlight on films made in...
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) has unveiled the line-up for its Competition and Arab Spectacular strands.
The festival, which takes place from November 30-December 9, will also give special screenings to Maïwenn’s historical romance Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp, which was supported by Red Sea’s financing arm and opened Cannes, and to Dhafer L’abidine’s Saudi-uae co-production To My Son, which world premieres at the festival.
Red Sea Iff’s line-up throws a spotlight on films made in...
- 11/6/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Baz Luhrmann has been named president of the Features Competition jury at the upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival. This third edition of the event runs from November 30-December 9 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Elvis, Moulin Rouge! and Great Gatsby filmmaker commented, “As a child in the local cinema that we ran near the tiny country town where I grew up, I was mesmerized by the powerful historical and physical landscapes of Lawrence of Arabia. Since that time, I have had an abiding passion for the Arabian world, but after visiting Saudi Arabia, I felt truly inspired by the remarkable young filmmaking talent coming up across the region and to see how they are now capturing the attention of the global film community.”
He called it “an honor” to be presiding over this year’s Rsiff jury, “alongside leading and emerging lights in the industry, and to be part of...
The Elvis, Moulin Rouge! and Great Gatsby filmmaker commented, “As a child in the local cinema that we ran near the tiny country town where I grew up, I was mesmerized by the powerful historical and physical landscapes of Lawrence of Arabia. Since that time, I have had an abiding passion for the Arabian world, but after visiting Saudi Arabia, I felt truly inspired by the remarkable young filmmaking talent coming up across the region and to see how they are now capturing the attention of the global film community.”
He called it “an honor” to be presiding over this year’s Rsiff jury, “alongside leading and emerging lights in the industry, and to be part of...
- 9/26/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Baz Luhrmann is set to preside over the main jury of the third edition of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival.
The event, which is rapidly becoming the top fest and market in the region and a key driver in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing effort to build a film and TV industry, will run Nov. 30 to Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the eastern shore of the Red Sea.
Luhrmann, who has connected with global audiences thanks to movies with wall-to-wall soundtracks like “Moulin Rouge!,” “The Great Gatsby” and, most recently, “Elvis,” will head the Red Sea jury that will be bestowing awards to a competition of 17 titles from filmmakers from the Arab region, Asia and Africa.
The fest’s feature film lineup has yet to be announced.
“As we work towards our third edition, we are delighted to welcome legendary award-winning director Baz Luhrmann as the head of the jury,...
The event, which is rapidly becoming the top fest and market in the region and a key driver in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing effort to build a film and TV industry, will run Nov. 30 to Dec. 9 in Jeddah, on the eastern shore of the Red Sea.
Luhrmann, who has connected with global audiences thanks to movies with wall-to-wall soundtracks like “Moulin Rouge!,” “The Great Gatsby” and, most recently, “Elvis,” will head the Red Sea jury that will be bestowing awards to a competition of 17 titles from filmmakers from the Arab region, Asia and Africa.
The fest’s feature film lineup has yet to be announced.
“As we work towards our third edition, we are delighted to welcome legendary award-winning director Baz Luhrmann as the head of the jury,...
- 9/26/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) has unveiled that writer, director and producer Baz Luhrmann (Elvis, Moulin Rouge) will preside over the festival’s features competition jury this year.
The third edition of the festival will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the Eastern shore of the Red Sea.
In the fest’s Red Sea: Features competition, 17 features will be selected to “showcase the most compelling, unique and impressive work from the past year, with the winners being selected by Luhrmann and the highly esteemed jury to receive the coveted Yusr Awards,” organizers said. In 2022, the Golden Yusr was awarded to Hanging Gardens, directed by Ahmed Yassin Al Daradji.
“As a child in the local cinema that we ran near the tiny country town where I grew up, I was mesmerized by the powerful historical and physical landscapes of Lawrence of Arabia,” said Luhrmann.
The third edition of the festival will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the Eastern shore of the Red Sea.
In the fest’s Red Sea: Features competition, 17 features will be selected to “showcase the most compelling, unique and impressive work from the past year, with the winners being selected by Luhrmann and the highly esteemed jury to receive the coveted Yusr Awards,” organizers said. In 2022, the Golden Yusr was awarded to Hanging Gardens, directed by Ahmed Yassin Al Daradji.
“As a child in the local cinema that we ran near the tiny country town where I grew up, I was mesmerized by the powerful historical and physical landscapes of Lawrence of Arabia,” said Luhrmann.
- 9/26/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation has announced it is investing in Johnny Depp’s Modi, Michael Mann’s Venice title Ferrari and Guy Ritchie’s World War Two spy action feature The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
The foundation, which is the parent body of the Jeddah-set Red Sea International Film Festival (Rsiff), has supported the films through its Red Sea International Film Financing arm, which previously backed Maïwenn’s Cannes 2023 opening film Jean du Barry as its first major international co-production.
There are no details on the size of the investments, but the foundation revealed Modi would also act as a pilot for a new program under which Saudi Arabian interns would be welcomed on set to gain hands-on training in various departments including art, camera, and production.
The investments are a further sign of Saudi Arabia’s determination to carve itself out a place as a...
The foundation, which is the parent body of the Jeddah-set Red Sea International Film Festival (Rsiff), has supported the films through its Red Sea International Film Financing arm, which previously backed Maïwenn’s Cannes 2023 opening film Jean du Barry as its first major international co-production.
There are no details on the size of the investments, but the foundation revealed Modi would also act as a pilot for a new program under which Saudi Arabian interns would be welcomed on set to gain hands-on training in various departments including art, camera, and production.
The investments are a further sign of Saudi Arabia’s determination to carve itself out a place as a...
- 9/1/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival has cancelled its swanky Women in Cinema gala event at the upcoming Venice Film Festival in response to the ongoing actors’ strike.
Red Sea CEO Mohammed Al Turki announced the move on his Instagram account on Monday.
“Due to the actors’ strike and in solidarity with the actors. We are unable to proceed with the Women in Cinema event,” he wrote.
Venice, running from August 30 to September 9, is one of the first big film events to feel the heat of the actors’ strike, with original opening film Challengers pulled after its announcement due to the fact its key cast, topped by Zendaya, would be unlikely to attend.
Festival head Alberto Barbera has pulled together an impressive line-up nonetheless but it remains to be seen how much talent will be swilling around the Lido with little end in sight for the actors’ strike which began mid-July.
Red Sea CEO Mohammed Al Turki announced the move on his Instagram account on Monday.
“Due to the actors’ strike and in solidarity with the actors. We are unable to proceed with the Women in Cinema event,” he wrote.
Venice, running from August 30 to September 9, is one of the first big film events to feel the heat of the actors’ strike, with original opening film Challengers pulled after its announcement due to the fact its key cast, topped by Zendaya, would be unlikely to attend.
Festival head Alberto Barbera has pulled together an impressive line-up nonetheless but it remains to be seen how much talent will be swilling around the Lido with little end in sight for the actors’ strike which began mid-July.
- 8/7/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The Red Sea Fund has partnered with Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set in the versatile and diverse landscape of AlUla. Film AlUla is driving the development of the film and TV industry in AlUla, located in northwest Arabia, and committed to championing talent from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. The partnership will help develop a strong ecosystem in Saudi while providing a platform that empowers a visionary approach amongst regional filmmakers.
As the newly appointed strategic partner of the Red Sea Fund's third production cycle, Film AlUla will support filmmakers from the Mena region with financial production support and the opportunity to complete a portion of filming in AlUla. Projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions, and Africa are eligible for Film AlUla's fund – with the aim of financing at least ten projects, with the possibility of increasing the number...
As the newly appointed strategic partner of the Red Sea Fund's third production cycle, Film AlUla will support filmmakers from the Mena region with financial production support and the opportunity to complete a portion of filming in AlUla. Projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions, and Africa are eligible for Film AlUla's fund – with the aim of financing at least ten projects, with the possibility of increasing the number...
- 6/15/2023
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Red Sea Fund & Film AlUla Partner On Production Grant
The Red Sea Fund has partnered with Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set within the landscape of AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea Fund and Film AlUla will be named as co-producers on all selected films, and Saudi Arabia will be a co-production country. The two bodies said chosen filmmakers will be given “free rein” on their creative project and will be judged purely on the quality of the production, talent, and script. Projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions, and Africa are eligible for the Film AlUla fund. The fund will sponsor at least 10 projects. Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Our aim as an organization is to uplift and support filmmakers from the Arab and African region and to promote the industry in Saudi Arabia – which...
The Red Sea Fund has partnered with Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set within the landscape of AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea Fund and Film AlUla will be named as co-producers on all selected films, and Saudi Arabia will be a co-production country. The two bodies said chosen filmmakers will be given “free rein” on their creative project and will be judged purely on the quality of the production, talent, and script. Projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions, and Africa are eligible for the Film AlUla fund. The fund will sponsor at least 10 projects. Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Our aim as an organization is to uplift and support filmmakers from the Arab and African region and to promote the industry in Saudi Arabia – which...
- 6/15/2023
- by Zac Ntim and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
At least 10 projects from the Arab regions and Africa set to receive support.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund has partnered with the region’s Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set in AlUla.
At least 10 projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions and Africa will be selected to receive grants as part of Red Sea Fund’s third production cycle.
Submissions will be judged on the quality of the production, talent and script as well as basing a portion of the project in AlUla – at least 15% of screen time for features and 40% for shorts.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund has partnered with the region’s Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set in AlUla.
At least 10 projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions and Africa will be selected to receive grants as part of Red Sea Fund’s third production cycle.
Submissions will be judged on the quality of the production, talent and script as well as basing a portion of the project in AlUla – at least 15% of screen time for features and 40% for shorts.
- 6/14/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The Red Sea Film Festival Foundation today announced the recipients of the Red Sea Fund's 2023 post-production funding cycle 1. Eight films by Saudi, Arab and African filmmakers will receive grants to help complete films that shine a light on important narratives and new talents emerging from the region.
The Red Sea Fund's 2023 post-production cycle received 59 applications, which were reviewed and filtered down to a shortlist of 18 films. Of these 18 films, eight were selected: five scripted features and three documentaries.
“The Omen” directed by Baloji, is set to premiere at Cannes Film Festival 2023. This underpins the Red Sea Film Festival's mission to advocate for filmmakers who are leading the way and inspiring a new generation of creatives.
Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “We are excited to be unveiling eight projects which will be bolstered by the Red Sea Fund's post-production grant – which can be a vital...
The Red Sea Fund's 2023 post-production cycle received 59 applications, which were reviewed and filtered down to a shortlist of 18 films. Of these 18 films, eight were selected: five scripted features and three documentaries.
“The Omen” directed by Baloji, is set to premiere at Cannes Film Festival 2023. This underpins the Red Sea Film Festival's mission to advocate for filmmakers who are leading the way and inspiring a new generation of creatives.
Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “We are excited to be unveiling eight projects which will be bolstered by the Red Sea Fund's post-production grant – which can be a vital...
- 5/22/2023
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Cannes, France – 18 May 2023 – In celebration of female voices in film, the Red Sea International Film Festival (RedSeaIFF) and Vanity Fair Europe hosted the Women's Stories Gala event this evening, shining a light on the achievements of women both on and behind the camera who are helping shape the film industry and inspire a new generation of talent in Saudi Arabia, Africa, and India.
During the event held alongside the 76th Cannes Film Festival at the spectacular Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, the RedSeaIFF and Vanity Fair Europe honoured six women making significant strides, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.
They include; Fatima AlBanawi – Saudi actor, director and writer who received international acclaim for her leading role in Barakah Meets Barakah (2016) and broke cinema records with her latest AlHamour (2023). She has played an array of roles ranging from the road-trip thriller Route 10, family drama Champions,...
During the event held alongside the 76th Cannes Film Festival at the spectacular Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, the RedSeaIFF and Vanity Fair Europe honoured six women making significant strides, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.
They include; Fatima AlBanawi – Saudi actor, director and writer who received international acclaim for her leading role in Barakah Meets Barakah (2016) and broke cinema records with her latest AlHamour (2023). She has played an array of roles ranging from the road-trip thriller Route 10, family drama Champions,...
- 5/20/2023
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
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