Jeddah- Jeddah’s ancient Al-Balad district — with its coral-stone houses and winding alleys — is set to transform into a world of lights, cameras, and storytelling from December 4 to 13, 2025, as the Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) returns for its fifth edition.
This year’s festival promises a dazzling array of world and regional premieres, international showcases, and bold Arab cinema, uniting voices from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world in a ten-day celebration of creativity and culture.
The red carpet will roll out with the MENA premiere of “Giant”, the inspiring British–Yemeni biopic about boxing legend Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed. Directed by Rowan Athale and starring Amir El Masry, the film captures Naz’s meteoric rise from Sheffield’s backstreets to global fame — a story of resilience, cultural pride, and the defiance of stereotypes.
“Through the story of an Arab world champion,” says Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, “the film portrays a journey of perseverance that inspires generations and reflects pride in identity.”
A Competition of Courage and Vision
In the Red Sea: Competition, sixteen films will compete for the prestigious Yusr Awards. Each selection — whether a narrative, animation, or documentary — reflects a world in transition.
From Shahad Ameen’s “Hijra”, a Saudi generational epic, to Zain Duraie’s “Sink”, a raw look at motherhood and mental health, to Akio Fujimoto’s “Lost Land”, the first Rohingya-language feature — the lineup pushes the boundaries of storytelling.
“We are expanding the perception of what Arab cinema can be,” says Antoine Khalife, the Festival’s Director of Arab Programmes. “These films are deeply regional but universal in feeling.”
The Arab and Global Canvas
The Arab Spectacular section showcases the region’s vibrant storytelling through Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36”, Haifaa Al Mansour’s “Unidentified”, and Amira Diab’s “Wedding Rehearsal”, among others — each exploring identity, love, and resilience in changing societies.
Meanwhile, the International Spectacular opens Jeddah’s screens to the world — with Olivier Assayas, Rupert Wyatt, Alice Winocour, and Mamoru Hosoda bringing their cinematic magic to Saudi audiences. From Angelina Jolie’s couture world to Farruquito’s flamenco dynasty, it’s a global dialogue through cinema.
Special Screenings That Stir the Soul
Two standout films headline the Special Screenings:
- “The Voice of Hind Rajab” by Kaouther Ben Hania, a harrowing and poetic reconstruction of a child’s final hours in Gaza.
- “Sirât” by Oliver Laxe, a meditative father–son journey that won Cannes’ Jury Prize and now represents Spain at the Oscars.
“These films,” says Baltyuor, “capture what the Red Sea Festival stands for — art that transcends borders and tells deeply human stories.”
Al-Balad: The Beating Heart of Cinema
Beyond the screens and spotlights, the Red Sea IFF is a cultural bridge — connecting continents, voices, and visions. Over ten days, Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Al-Balad will host filmmakers, industry icons, and film lovers, turning its heritage streets into a living celebration of world cinema.
From the story of a British–Yemeni champion to films born in Gaza, Seoul, Nairobi, and Riyadh — the 2025 edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival promises one thing above all: the world, united through film.