S Viswanath

As the curtains go up and the Red Carpet is rolled out, with all pomp and pageantry, the Historic District of Al Balad is set to turn into one awe-inspiring Arabian extravaganza of cinema carnival for committed cinephiles as they congregate for the fifth Edition of the high profile and most definitive film fiesta of the Middle East.

Thanks to the visionary and forward thinking, reformative Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been bringing in winds of change in an otherwise deeply religious, highly conservative, traditional kingdom seeped in its rich Islamic traditions, the Red Sea International Film Festival has only grown in status, stature, strength and scope in these last four editions as one of must dos for the who’s who in entertainment business.

The ten-day joyous jamboree that turns not just Al Balad housing the Vox Cinemas screens and main festival venue, but other venues like Red Sea Mall with Vox Cinemas, the grand Ritz Carlton and the sea and sun bathed and swirling winds wafting Al Hamra Corniche into a Cinema Paradiso providing for the surreal experience as one soaks in and savours the crème la crème of contemporary cinemas from across the world.

Besides the International Cinemas what covets and makes the Red Sea International Film Festival that much more special and unique is the festival’s specially curated Arab Spectacular Programme which features a confluence of captivating films from home base Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Palestine, the Middle East and other regions abetting the Arabian Peninsula perimeter.

The films in fray provide for and bring before audiences on a singular platform a promising, diverse and dynamic array of filmmaking voices the Arab world has been throwing up and witnessing in these past few years so to say.

The pulsating and perspective Arab Spectacular potpourri bespeaks of the Arab cinematic creativity shining the spotlight on a carefully curated collection of, award winners, and regional premieres.

According to Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes: “Our Arab Spectacular selection this year is a cinematic celebration of the region’s vitality and creativity. These filmmakers offer deeply personal narratives with universal appeal that reflect the complexity, humour, and struggles of humanity. We’re proud to be sharing three films from our home in Saudi Arabia alongside powerful projects from the wider region, as we continue to emphasise the incredible talent pool present in the Arab world which cannot and should not be ignored.”

The compendium of Arab Spectacular comprises films like Saudi Arabia’s A Matter of Life & Death by Anas Ba-Tahaf a cupid caper played out against the bustling backdrop of Jeddah. Then you have Palestine 36 by Palestine’s Annemarie Jacir a historical drama which explores the Palestinian Arab Revolt against the British colonial rule, focusing on stories of individuals caught in the conflict as well as human cost of the uprising.

Amine Lakhnech’s Saudi Arabian The Fakenapping about a hard pressed son hatching a brazen plan to wrest money out of his rich, but notoriously stingy dad.

Likewise, another Saudi Arabian fare Unidentified by Haifaa Al Mansour chalks the course of a 29-year-old divorcee, who returns to her small hometown for a fresh start and whose sedentary life changes when a teenage girl’s body is found in her school uniform, with no ID. To solve the mystery, she must challenge her preconceived notions about women and their threats.

The Egyptian fare Wedding Rehearsal by Amira Diab tracks the trials of a single, impoverished mother with a son who, in order to secure a better future for him, sets about to wed the owner of the largest meat conglomerate in the Middle East. How in the run up to the wedding day things take a turn for the worse as pretences are unveiled forms the film’s fulcrum. Despite his wealth, Hassan comes from a nouveau riche family.

Likewise, the film fest’s Special Screenings brings in two fantabulous films from Spain and Tunisia, each picked for their powerful impact on the cinematic landscape in 2025. Oliver Laxe’s high adrenaline action packed roadie thriller Sirat and Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab the harrowing docu-drama, which details the Red Crescent’s response to the final six hours of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by the Israel Defence Forces during the country’s invasion of the Gaza Strip, marking their first screenings in Saudi Arabia, a haunting testament to the tragic reality of war.

Incidentally, the apocalyptic pulsating father and son saga in search of their daughter/sister, lost in Morocco’s craggy rave scene set against breathtaking landscapes Sirat picked the jury prize at Cannes Film Festival and is Spain’s Academy Awards submission for 2025.

As Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Faisal Baltyuor notes “the Special Screenings embody the festival’s spirit — giving space to films that transcend artistic boundaries to explore deeply human stories. The Voice of Hind Rajab stands as a moving reminder of cinema’s power to reveal truth and stir collective conscience, while Sirât captivates with its striking visuals and profound philosophical depth.”

Similarly Red Sea: New Vision strand spotlights on 10 films that stand out for their fresh cinematic vision, bringing on to screen unique topics that seeks to indulge and delight t heir audiences. Among the fare are Mary Bronstein’s If I had Legs I’d kick you, a compelling story of trials of motherhood, award-winning French actor Juliette Binoche’s directorial debut In-I: In Motion about staging of her show with dancer Akram Khan. Mark Jenkin’s The Rose of Nevada a mysterious time-travelling tale revolving round a fishing trawler.

As Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes averred: “Filmmaking from the Arab world continues to be bold, imaginative, and full of distinctive voices that challenge and inspire, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent shaping the region’s cinematic future. This new generation of filmmakers melds tradition with fresh perspectives creating powerful, emotionally resonant stories about family, war, memory and community which will leave a lasting impression on our audiences.”

The New Vision features include Cleanse The Street by Jordan’s Aysha Shahaltough, Early Days from India’s Priyankar Patrawhich explores the impact of social media on contemporary relationships, with its cinematography creating a rather close and voyeuristic viewing experience, similar to that of social media voyeurism.

The Red Sea International Film Festival Favourites include Erupcja by Poland’s Pete Ohs, Girl from Taiwan’s Shu Qi, the Japanese Kokuho by Lee Sang-il, the Rwandan-Belgian Kwibuka Remember by Jonas D’Adesky

Petra Volpe’s Late Shift from Germany, Mohammed Siam’s Egyptian fare My Father’s Scent, from Canada’s Ben Wheatley, Italian fare PrimaVera by Damien Michieletto, Ireland’s Saipan, the Furious from Hong Kong by Tanigaki Kenji, a gritty and powerful masterpiece and must-watch for martial arts fans.

Mohamed Rashad’s The Settlement from Egypt, the Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho, a sharp political drama that takes viewers on suspenseful ride, and won best actor and best director at Cannes. It is Brazil’s submission to US Academy Awards.

S VISWANATH is a veteran film critic who officiates as JURY at several National & International Film Festivals. He deputises as CHIEF CINEMA CURATOR/PROGRAMMER & CREATIVE ADVISOR for Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes). He also curates & advises on the selection of shorts & documentaries for Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF). Mr Viswanath is the author of “RANDOM REFLECTIONS: A Kaleidoscopic Musings on Kannada Cinema”.