The Red Sea International Film Festival has revealed its Opening Night Gala, Competition Programme, Special Screenings and Arab and International Spectacular Programme.
The MENA premiere of Rowan Athale’s biopic Giant will open the festival, telling “the uplifting story of British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed”, on 4 December.
Revealing why the film was chosen as the Opening Night Gala, Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Our selection of Giant as the opening film of the fifth edition embodies an artistic celebration of regional talents who have established their presence on the global film scene.
“Through the story of an Arab world champion in boxing, the film portrays a journey of perseverance that inspires generations and reflects pride in identity, highlighting the growing presence of Arab stars in international productions alongside global names, reaffirming that Arab cinema today stands as a powerful force in the global film landscape.”
Red Sea IFF also unveiled the 16 films competing in its Red Sea: Competition strand, with the selected projects in contention for the prestigious Yusr Awards to be presented throughout the festival.
The films screening in competition are below – with more information on each available on the Red Sea IFF website:
- A Sad and Beautiful World
- All That’s Left of You
- Allah Is Not Obliged
- Barni
- Black Rabbit, White Rabbit
- Hijra
- Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream
- Lost Land
- Nighttime Sounds
- Roqia
- Sink
- The Stories
- The World of Love
- Truck Mama
- Two Seasons, Two Strangers
- Yunan
Special Screenings of two powerful films from Spain and Tunisia will take place too, with each selected for their significant impact on the cinematic landscape in 2025.
Oliver Laxe’s Sirât and Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab will receive presentations at the festival this year, marking their first screenings in Saudi Arabia.
Baltyuor commented: “The Special Screenings embody the festival’s spirit – giving space to films that transcend artistic boundaries to explore deeply human stories. The Voice of Hind Rajab stands as a moving reminder of cinema’s power to reveal truth and stir collective conscience, while Sirât captivates with its striking visuals and profound philosophical depth.”
Finally, organisers have unveiled the “vibrant selections” for the Arab Spectacular and International Spectacular sections, “celebrating a diverse and dynamic array of filmmaking voices”.
The Arab Spectacular programme “takes the pulse of Arab creativity” in a curated selection of commercial and independent films, award winners and regional premieres – with the line-up, celebrating the films and personalities shaping the beating heart of Arab cinema, including the powerful Palestine 36.
Meanwhile, the International Spectacular strand spotlights cinema from around the globe, featuring celebrated auteurs and international filmmaking icons including Alice Winocour and Mamoru Hosoda.
Fionnuala Halligan, director of international programmes, said: “Our International Spectacular section embodies the festival’s commitment to cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
“Featuring blockbuster on-screen talent and award-winning filmmakers, each of these films offers a distinct window into another world, from seventh-century Arabia, the magical medieval era to the modern day – and we’re looking forward to screening these thrilling titles at the festival for their MENA premieres.”
