The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) returns for its fifth edition under the banner “In Love with Cinema,” a motto organizers say captures the enduring spirit of the event since its inception. The festival positions itself as both a celebration of film and a pivotal platform for Arab and African cinema, operating in unison with the Mim Cinematic initiative from its historic host city, Jeddah.
Launched just as the pandemic disrupted global culture in 2020, the festival’s journey has been one of resilience. Its inaugural physical edition was cancelled, prompting a pivot to virtual engagements and the screening of 11 Saudi films alongside restored Arab classics. By its second edition in 2021, RSIFF had firmly established its physical presence, presenting 138 films from 67 countries.
“We are not just screening films; we are building traditions and shaping the regional cinematic landscape,” said a festival representative. The program is built around prominent guest appearances, industry dialogues, and a focus on original films that showcase the region’s creative ambition.
The festival’s parent organization, the Red Sea Film Foundation, has expanded its reach beyond the annual event. It supports production and development labs like the Red Sea Lab, runs competitions such as the 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge, and spearheads film restoration projects. Its supported projects have gained recognition at major international festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.
RSIFF has also become a notable destination for global cinema stars, having hosted figures from Catherine Deneuve and Spike Lee to Shah Rukh Khan and Arab icons like Yousra and Haifaa Al-Mansour.
Against the backdrop of Jeddah’s rich heritage, organizers say the festival offers a gateway for Saudi and Arab stories to reach the world, while injecting renewed energy into the local creative scene with each edition.
Featured films this year include Mira Mira Mira, a story of a child who loses the ability to speak and uncovers a mysterious secret; Red Offspring, depicting the tragedy of a Tunisian child amid violence and terrorism; Hobal, portraying a Bedouin family struggling to survive; Hajan, about a young man fighting to save his prized camel; and Finding an Exit for Mr. Rambo, highlighting friendship and adventure across the streets of Cairo.
The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival is just days away, continuing to support local, Arab, and international talent, driven by one ultimate purpose: the love of cinema.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
