JEDDAH: The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival began Dec. 4 in Jeddah. Its theme this year is “For the Love of Cinema,” meaning, the festival’s managing director Shivani Pandya told Arab News, that this year’s programming “has focused on stories of love and struggle, with love in all its diverse forms the major theme across this year’s selection.
“The spectrum runs from love of family to romantic love. There are tales of love from the perspective of children, while prodigy and passion are explored in biopics like “Giant” (the festival’s opening film) and “Farruquito.” These stories reflect how love can ignite creativity, empathy and collaboration.”
Considering the festival only debuted in 2021, its impact has been significant. Pandya highlighted the number of films screening at this year’s event (and elsewhere on the festival circuit) that have received support from RSIFF.
“Projects that joined the Red Sea Film Foundation ecosystem five years ago and gestated through the support of RSIFF are now debuting for audiences,” she said, noting that Zain Duraie’s “Sink,” Mohamed Rashad’s “The Settlement,” Seemab Gul’s “Ghost School,” Cyril Aris’ “A Sad and Beautiful World” and Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36” are all examples screening at this year’s festival.
“We know that there is a growing appetite for the films and stories we support,” Pandya said. “This is evidenced by the growing appreciation for our projects on the awards circuit, as well as at international festivals.”
Audiences this year can expect “more voices from film industries from Asia, Africa and the Arab world,” she noted. “We received over 2,330 film submissions this year from 71 countries, with 111 selected for the festival. Of these, 42 will have their world premieres at RSIFF 2025.” Female filmmakers are well-represented too, with 38 films in this year’s program.
“There are just so many opportunities for the public, filmmakers and industry insiders to explore the growing world of Arab film. We’re growing across every element of the festival and attracting more talent, from more places — and giving more voices the chance to be heard, which is important to us,” Pandya said, reflecting on RSIFF’s cultural impact. “There’s so much to experience — and so many vital conversations to be had.”
