SIX NEW FESTIVAL FAVOURITES, INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE LAST RONIN, ADDED TO FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has unveiled an exciting addition to its International Spectacular programme: LUMIÈRE: LE CINEMA by Thierry Frémaux, Director of the Lumière Institute in Lyon and General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes. This stunning sequel to LUMIÈRE! THE ADVENTURE BEGINS, which premiered at the festival’s inaugural edition, delves into the birth of cinema, offering a treasure trove of over 100 newly restored films. A must-see for cinema lovers, LUMIÈRE: LE CINEMA will be presented in-person by Frémaux himself, offering audiences an unparalleled journey through the early days of celluloid.
Joining the stellar International Spectacular line-up are six highly anticipated titles, including Napoli-New York, a poignant new work from Academy Award-winning director Gabriele Salvatores, starring Pierfrancesco Favino. Based on a story idea by Federico Fellini, the film tells the story of two children who stow away on a boat bound for New York after World War II. Also featured is 40 ACRES by R.T. Thorne, starring Danielle Deadwyler as a determined mother protecting her family from the ravages of climate change. MARIA by Pablo Larraín, WE LIVE IN TIME by John Crowley, and KRAVEN THE HUNTER by J.C. Chandor round out the International Spectacular section, each offering a unique cinematic experience.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, RSIFF’s Managing Director, said: “We are honoured to host LUMIÈRE: LE CINEMA at the RSIFF. This film is a vital testament to the foundation of all modern audiovisual content, showcasing the early pioneers who revolutionized visual storytelling. Thierry Frémaux’s insights into cinema history are always invaluable, and we are thrilled to share this with our audiences.”
In addition to the International Spectacular programme, RSIFF has added six new Festival Favourites, including the world premiere of Max Shiskin’s post-apocalyptic action film THE LAST RONIN. Set in a desolate future ravaged by nuclear war, the film follows a lone warrior escorting a wayward teenage girl across a dangerous wasteland. The Last Ronin promises a gripping journey through a devastated world, where survival is the ultimate goal.
The Festival Favourites programme celebrates cultural diversity, offering a platform for award-winning films from all corners of the globe. The selection highlights innovative storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and diverse perspectives. Among the new titles are two black comedies: DREAMING OF LIONS by Paolo Marinou Blanco, a darkly comic tale of a terminally ill woman’s attempts to end her suffering, and TASTE THE REVOLUTION by Daniel Klein, a mockumentary featuring an unforgettable performance by Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali as a revolutionary leader challenging capitalism.
Two exceptional films from Asia join the line-up: CROCODILE TEARS by Indonesian director Tumpal Tampubolon, which explores a young man’s strained relationship with his controlling mother, and SOMEBODY by South Korean directors Yeo-Jung Kim and Jeong-Chan Lee, a psychological thriller about a swimming instructor whose child’s violent tendencies take a dark turn.
The festival also celebrates African cinema with the return of Jean Luc-Herbulot, whose new film ZERO is a high-octane action thriller set in Dakar, Senegal. The film follows two Americans who wake up to find bombs strapped to their chests and only ten hours to unravel the mystery of their predicament.
TunisianMonitorOnline (TMO correspondent Douha Saafi)
