Running from December 4th to December 13th, 2025, the annual event celebrates the vibrant creative energy of Jeddah and the wider region, offering a diverse and engaging program for film lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals from across the globe.
The Red Sea Foundation: Building a film hub
As the leading project of the Red Sea Film Foundation, the Festival positions itself as a growing powerhouse in the international film landscape.The Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the film sector in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia, and Africa.
Its work supports Saudi Arabia’s vision for a vibrant society and a flourishing cultural landscape, helping position the Kingdom as a rising global hub for film and storytellers.
The Foundation is guided by a distinguished leadership team, including Chairwoman Jomana R. Alrashid, CEO Faisal Baltyuor, and Managing Director Shivani Pandya Malhotra.
Pillars of support
The Foundation drives its mission through four key initiatives:- The Red Sea International Film Festival: An international platform celebrating cinematic excellence and opening Saudi Arabia to the world.
- The Red Sea Souk: An international film market running alongside the Festival, providing vital connection and networking opportunities for regional and global decision-makers.
- The Red Sea Fund: A powerful funding program that has already backed over 250 films and 100 directors, offering support for narrative, documentary, and animation projects from Saudi, Arab, and African creators, with a growing focus on the Asian scene.
- Red Sea Labs: A development arm empowering filmmakers, writers, and industry professionals from Saudi, Arab, and African regions, now expanding to Asia, guiding them through their creative journey with expert supervision.
Global voices and star power
With a rich selection of celebrated filmmakers and powerful stories, this year’s program reinforces the Festival’s role as a central hub for global cinema.In-conversation series
Attendees have the unique opportunity to hear from some of the most prestigious names in cinema during the Festival’s In-Conversation series:- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The globally celebrated Indian actor kicks off the series on the first day, discussing her two-decade-long career, her influence as a cultural ambassador, and her extensive humanitarian work.
- Sean Baker: The multi-award-winning director, who recently wins five Oscars for his film Anora, shares insights from his independent filmmaking career.
- Adrien Brody: The two-time Academy Award-winning actor, known for his roles in The Pianist and The Brutalist, discusses his diverse career and artistic endeavors.
- Kaouther Ben Hania: The acclaimed Tunisian director, whose latest film The Voice of Hind Rajab wins the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, discusses her significant works.
- Yacoub Alfarhan: A prominent Saudi actor, he speaks about his journey from theatre to television and his recent work in major Saudi films like Norah.
And many more join throughout the Festival.
The Red Sea: Competition
The Festival’s heart lies in its competitive sections, which highlight bold talent and fresh perspectives from the region and beyond.The Red Sea Competition includes a diverse selection of international features:
- A Sad and Beautiful World
- All That's Left of You
- Allah Is Not Obliged
- Barni
- Black Rabbit, White Rabbit
- Hijra
- Irkalla: Gilgamesh's Dream
- Lost Land
- Nighttime Sounds
- Roqia
- Sink
- The Stories
- The World of Love
- Truck Mama
- Two Seasons, Two Strangers
- Yunan
The Festival runs daily from December 4th through December 13th, offering a full slate of screenings, industry events, and conversations, including the opening night screening of Giant (directed by Rowan Athale) at 18h30 on the first day.
