Red Sea International Film Festival Unveils “Red Sea Treasures” — A Celebration of Restored Cinematic Masterpieces
The Red Sea International Film Festival has unveiled details of its “Red Sea Treasures” program for its fifth edition, set to run from December 4 to 13, 2025, in Historic Jeddah.
This year’s program showcases six timeless masterpieces from Arab and international cinema, alongside the first-ever silent film screening accompanied by live music in the Kingdom’s history — a milestone moment for Saudi Arabia’s cinematic landscape.
The program celebrates the revival of restored classics, inviting a new generation of film lovers to experience cinematic gems that have shaped the art of storytelling. Paying tribute to Egyptian cinema’s rich legacy, the program will present two rare films by director Ahmed Badrakhan, starring the legendary Umm Kulthum, meticulously restored by the Red Sea Film Foundation in collaboration with Egypt’s Media Production City:
🎞 “Aïda” (1942) and “Nashid Al-Amal” (1937), both premiering for the first time in stunning 4K resolution.
In “Aïda,” Umm Kulthum portrays a farmer’s daughter whose extraordinary voice transcends social barriers to become a symbol of love, resilience, and artistic triumph — a role that mirrors her rise to cinematic stardom. Meanwhile, “Nashid Al-Amal” (The Song of Hope) tells the story of a woman torn between her artistic passion and societal expectations, echoing Umm Kulthum’s real-life struggle to assert her voice and identity through art.
On the international front, the program features a global lineup of restored classics. Among them is “Umrao Jaan” — a jewel of Indian cinema restored in 4K by the National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission, making its international premiere at the Red Sea Festival.
The program also presents the 2024 restored edition of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1945 masterpiece “Spellbound,” in partnership with The Film Foundation led by Martin Scorsese — marking the festival’s first collaboration with this world-renowned preservation institution.
Joining the lineup is Luc Besson’s “The Big Blue” (1988), a poetic visual odyssey exploring friendship, love, and fierce rivalry beneath the waves, considered one of the most successful films in French cinematic history with over 10 million tickets sold.
Adding a one-of-a-kind experience for Saudi audiences, the festival will host “The Spectacular Silent Showcase,” led by acclaimed British musician Neil Brand, one of the world’s foremost accompanists of silent cinema. Brand will breathe new life into three legendary silent comedy icons — Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Laurel & Hardy — through live piano and percussion in a delightful, family-friendly evening blending music, nostalgia, and laughter.
Commenting on the program, Mohammed Faisal Baltyour, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, stated:
“This year’s selection honors the giants of the seventh art whose works have shaped the collective memory of global cinema. Restoring these masterpieces bridges the authenticity of the past with the brilliance of the present. We are especially proud to revive Umm Kulthum’s cinematic legacy through the restoration of two of her most iconic films, reaffirming our commitment to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of both Arab and world cinema.”
🎞 “Red Sea Treasures” Official Lineup
🎬 Aïda (1942)
Directed by Ahmed Badrakhan – Egypt
A captivating blend of romance, music, and social reflection starring Umm Kulthum as “Aïda,” a gifted farmer’s daughter whose voice captures the heart of an aristocrat’s son. When her talent wins over the disapproving father, love and music unite across class divides. Restored in 4K at Media Production City in Cairo, supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation.
🎬 Nashid Al-Amal (The Song of Hope) (1937)
Directed by Ahmed Badrakhan – Egypt
Umm Kulthum portrays “Amal,” a woman torn between her artistic dreams and social constraints. Though the film ends in sacrifice, Umm Kulthum’s real-life defiance of those limits stands as a testament to the power of art and the perseverance of Arab women.
🎬 Spellbound (1945)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock – USA
A psychological masterpiece exploring obsession and identity through the mysterious bond between a psychiatrist (Ingrid Bergman) and her patient (Gregory Peck). The 2024 restored version is presented by Walt Disney Studios, in collaboration with The Film Foundation and the Academy Archive, with special thanks to Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
🎬 The Big Blue (1988)
Directed by Luc Besson – France, USA, Italy
A mesmerizing deep-sea drama chronicling friendship, rivalry, and the beauty of the ocean. With stunning visuals and a dreamlike score, the film remains one of France’s most beloved cinematic achievements.
🎬 The Spectacular Silent Showcase
Featuring Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy – USA
A live musical performance by Neil Brand, bringing the magic of silent comedy to life through piano and percussion. A nostalgic and heartwarming journey celebrating laughter and timeless artistry.
🎬 Umrao Jaan (1981)
Directed by Muzaffar Ali – India
Adapted from the 1899 novel Umrao Jaan Ada, this lyrical masterpiece tells the story of a courtesan, poet, and performer from Lucknow, portrayed by the iconic Rekha. A visually poetic tribute to the grandeur of Awadhi culture and classical Indian art.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
