The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) marked the launch of its fourth edition in a sumptuous setting, welcoming cinema enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world. The inauguration took place in the new premises of the festival, in the heart of Cultural Square, Al Balad, in Djeddah. This opening evening celebrated the world premiere of the Saudi-Egyptian film The Tale of Daye’s Family, a symbolic choice highlighting the artistic collaboration between two great Arab nations.
Prestigious assistance under the spotlight
The red carpet illuminated under the flashes of photographers, capturing the arrival of an impressive range of international, regional and local stars. Saudi icons such as Abdulmohsen Alnemr, Elham Ali and Aseel Omran have rubbed shoulders with personalities from the rest of the Arab world, notably Mona Zaki, Yousra, Amina Khalil, Zeina, Amir El-Masry, Nadine Njeim, Mohamed Farrag, Nadia El Guindy, Nabila Abid, Elham Chahine.
International celebrities have shone by their presence: Michelle Yeoh, Emily Blunt, Kareena Kapoor, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Engin Altan Düzyatan, Georgina Rodriguez, Eva Longoria, Will Smith, Park Sung Hoon, Minnie Driverg, as well as the Legendary Michelle Rodriguez. The prestigious names followed one another, illustrating the international stature of the festival.
The festivities have shown how a daring political vision, associated with significant financial means, allowed the RSIFF to establish itself as an essential event in the world cinema landscape. On the red carpet, the atmosphere oscillated between glamor and celebration of cultural diversity. Sumptuous dresses and traditional outfits were intertwined, testifying to a unique moment when modernity and tradition coexisted harmoniously.
The outfits on the red carpet varied between sumptuous evening dresses, elegant costumes and traditional clothes, reflecting the fusion of cultures and styles. In just a few years, the RSIF has become a real celebration of world cinematographic art, as its slogan perfectly sums it up: The New Home of Film.
Standing speeches to open the ball
The opening ceremony, co-wandered by Lebanese actress Danielle Rahme and Saudi actor Hakeem Jomah, started with the speeches of Jomana-Al Rashid, president of the Red Sea Film Foundation, and Mohammed Asked, Acting CEO of the Foundation.
- The inspiring speech of Jomana-Al Rashid
In a deeply moving speech, Jomana-Al Rashid placed this edition of the festival under the sign of ambition and cultural collaboration: “ We are delighted to welcome the world cinematographic community to our new house in Al Balad. This festival is not only a celebration of cinema, it is also a testimony to what passion and dedication can accomplish.“”
She highlighted the main objective of the Red Sea Foundation: supporting filmmakers from the Arab, African and Asian regions. By evoking the festival initiatives, she underlined: “ Through our support fund, our market (souk) and our laboratories (labs), we offer a platform that propels emerging talents. And with a program comprising 122 projects in 85 countries, presented in 49 languages, we celebrate the richness and diversity of world cinema. »»
JOMANA-AL RASHID concluded: ” What we do here goes beyond borders. We build bridges, we tell stories and we create a space where each voice can be heard. This festival is proof that cinema is a universal language that unites us. »»
- The engaging speech of Mohammed Asses
Mohammed Asses, interim CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, then spoke to strengthen the idea that the RSIFF is now an essential platform for Arab and international cinema: “ For my first edition as an acting managing director, it is an honor to open this evening with The Tale of Daye’s Family, a perfect example of cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. “He added:” This film illustrates the power of stories that transcend borders. Arab cinema has so much to offer, and our mission is to highlight these talents, to offer them a global scene and to strengthen cultural exchanges. This edition, with its discussions, panels and projections, marks a new step in our commitment to art and cinematographic innovation. »»
Four unforgettable tributes to the great figures of cinema
The opening ceremony was marked by the presentation of four honorary prizes. Each celebrated artist was introduced by a video highlighting the significant moments of his career, before going on stage to receive his trophy and send a few words to the audience.
The famous actor of Fast & Furious received a special prize for its contribution to popular cinema. Michelle Rodriguez, her co-star and friend, introduced the actor with emotion, before he speaks to express his love for his fans and her commitment to cinema.
The British star, known for his performance acclaimed in The Devil Wears Prada And A quiet placereceived his prize from the hands of Michelle Yeoh, her partner in The Fall Guy. In her speech, Emily Blunt expressed her gratitude to the festival and the evolution of Arab cinema: ” It is an honor to be here, to see this craze for cinema in a region so culturally rich. Thank you for celebrating art in all its forms. »»
Eva Longoria, in charge of presenting the icon of Indian cinema, was particularly eloquent. Passionate and admiring, she shared her personal experience with the actor’s work: ” I am delighted to come back here, a place that so beautifully celebrates cinema. It is a real honor for me to give this trophy to a person whom I admire deeply. When I was young, I dreamed of visiting India, just to see it: Aamir Khan. Aamir is not just a star or an icon; He is much more than that. Having started his career at the age of 8, he managed to mark the history of cinema with extraordinary films that inspired entire generations. His work goes beyond borders and cultures, and this recognition, although symbolic, is a way of paying tribute to him for all that he has accomplished. »»
When Aamir Khan went on stage, he thanked with humility: ” Seeing my work recognized in such a framework is moving. I thank all my employees and the public for their support. Discovering Saudi Arabia through this festival is an enriching experience, and I hope to come back.“”
The Egyptian actress, warmly acclaimed by the public, delivered a sincere speech. She evoked her attachment to her native country, Egypt, which has always loved and respected art, since ancient times and its pride of being an actress Arab woman in a highly expanding cinematographic landscape: ” I am honored to represent a region where art has always been an instinctive passion. Thank you to Saudi Arabia for supporting and celebrating women in cinema. Thank you to all those who have always supported me and above all, thank you to my husband, my pillar and my king.“”
Spike Lee and his jury: influential voices for official competition
The official Red Sea International Film Festival competition, which has this year 16 films in the runningwas introduced during the ceremony by a detailed presentation of his prestigious jury. The latter is chaired by Spike Leeemblematic figure of American cinema and committed director, known for works such as Malcolm X And Do the right thing.
In a speech full of enthusiasm and gratitude, Spike Lee praised the evolution of Saudi Arabia as a new hub for world cinema: ” I am delighted to return for the third time to Saudi Arabia. The first two were for filming, especially Malcolm X. This country has changed a lot, and seeing a festival of this magnitude developing here is impressive. I immediately accepted the invitation to chair this jury. It is essential to look beyond Hollywood to understand the accounts of the whole world. This festival reflects this spirit, and I am honored to be part of it.“”
Alongside Spike Lee, the jury includes significant figures from the film industry:
- Abu Bakr ShawkyEgyptian director acclaimed for Yomeddinea film that touched hearts during its presentation in Cannes.
- Tûba büyüküstünTurkish actress renowned for her performance in successful productions such as Black Money Love And Rosso ̇stanbul.
- Minnie DriverBritish actress appointed to the Oscars for her role in Good Will Hunting and recently praised for The Serpent Queen.
- Daniel Dae KimAmerican actor and producer known for his roles in Lost,, Hawaii 5-0 And the next Adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
A world first under the sign of emotion
The opening evening has honored the film The Tale of Daye’s Familyproduced by the Egyptian Karim Shenawy. This poignant feature tells the story of Daye, a young Nubian boy suffering from albinism, confronted with adversity because of his unique appearance. Gifted with an exceptional voice, he dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, Mohamed Mounir, and tried his luck for a hearing to The Voice.
Neïla Driss
