After a fourth edition marked by a resounding success, the International Film Film of the Red Sea (RSIFF) returns for a edition highly anticipated, scheduled from December 4 to 13, 2025 in Al-Balad, the historic district of Djeddah, in Saudi Arabia.
A fifth edition under the sign of continuity and expansion
Since its creation, the International Film Film of the Red Sea has established itself as an unmissable event for filmmakers in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. This fifth edition aims to continue its commitment to cinematographic excellence and support for emerging talents, while strengthening collaborations between professionals in the sector.
The announcement of the dates of this new edition comes shortly after the conclusion of an exceptional fourth season, which saw more than 40,000 spectators flocked and nearly 7,000 accredited guests. The event opened with the world first of The Tale of Daye’s Family of the Egyptian Karim Shenawi, marking the beginning of a decade of cinema under the sign of discovery and innovation and ended with two very important pricesthe prize for the best fiction feature film Red children Made by Lotfi Achour which also won the prize for the best director. Pride and triumph for Tunisian cinema!
A festival anchored in a historic setting
The RSIFF takes place in a unique site: Al-Baladthe historic center of Djeddah, classified in UNESCO World Heritage. This emblematic district, known for its traditional architecture and its vibrant atmosphere, offers an exceptional setting for a festival celebrating cinema in all its forms. The projections, events and meetings take place in various emblematic places in the neighborhood, thus transforming Al-Balad into a real village of cinema.
With its narrow alleys lined with houses with carved wooden windows, animated squares and rich cultural heritage, Al-Balad creates an immersive atmosphere, where the old and the modern meet. This unique framework promotes major artistic and professional exchanges, consolidating Djeddah as a major cinematographic destination.
A fourth striking edition
The RSIF 2024, which was held from December 5 to 14, transformed al-Balad into a real crossroads of the seventh art. The theme of publishing, “The New Home of Film”highlighted the return of the festival to Djeddah and made it possible to promote major professional meetings, to make new partnerships materialize and to open up prospects for regional and international cinema.
In figures, the RSIFF 2024 is:
- 122 FILMS PRonword from 85 countries
- 61 Firstof which 46 Worlds, 15 International and 53 MENA
- 302 projections Distributed over ten days
- A dynamic film market with 142 exhibiting companies40 speakers and 24 development or production projects
A pole of professional exchanges: the Red Sea Souk
In parallel projections, the Red Sea Souk played a key role in the fourth edition of the festival. This dynamic film market has gathered 142 exhibiting companiesoffering an essential platform for cinema professionals wishing to establish new collaborations and finance their projects.
THE Souk Project Market has put forward 24 development or production projects And 7 post-production worksthus giving increased visibility to emerging talents of the Arab world, Africa and Asia. With its many networking opportunities and 40 conferences and panelsthe Red Sea Souk asserts itself as a key player in regional and international cinematographic development.
A prestigious scene and renowned guests
The festival honored during of its opening and its fence of major cinema figures such as Emily Blunt, Aamir Khan, Mona Zaki, Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. In addition, other big names have walked the red carpet, among which Michelle Yeoh,, Kareena Kapoor KhanJohnny Depp, Yousra, Dhafer the Abidine, Vin Diesel, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Brendan Fraser and Mohamed Sami.
The juries, chaired by Spike Leedeliberated on 14 competition categorieswith 16 feature films in the running for major distinctions and a selection of short films presented in the programs New Saudi, New Cinema and Arab Shorts.
The festival also offered 25 discussion sessions with emblematic figures such as Aamir Khan,, Sarah Jessica Parker,, Benedict Cumberbatch,, Ranbir Kapoor,, Thierry FrémauxCynthia Erivo, Brendan Fraser, Mohamed Sami And Spike Lee, allowing the public to exchange with these talents from world cinema.
Increased support for talents
THE Red Sea Fundflagship initiative of the festival, has already supported more than 280 projectsof which Olffa’s girls of the Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Haniaappointed to the 2024 Oscars in the category of the best documentary feature. This poignant film retraces the effects on their families, from the disappearance of two teenage girls who joined an extremist organization in Libya. Since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Olffa’s girls has received numerous distinctions, including the price of the golden eye for the best documentary, and has established itself as a powerful testimony on the fate of women in the face of radicalization. Its success confirms the role of the Red Sea Fund as a key player in the development of cinema in the MENA and beyond region.
A festival in full ascent
Since its creation, the Rsiff has established itself as the largest film and culture festival in the MENA region. With programming including films from 77 countries and 47 languagesit is distinguished by the diversity of its offer, ranging from films in competition for Oscars to the classics of cinema and emerging voices.
Rewarded for the quality of its organization, the festival attracts thousands of journalists and millions of spectators around the world every year.
Of December 5 to 14, 2025the fifth edition of Red Sea International Film Festival promises to transform once again Al-Balad In an epicenter of world cinema. This ambitious edition will focus on discovering new talents, strengthening international collaborations and highlighting cinemas in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. By continuing its mission of supporting cinematographic creation and promoting cultural exchanges, the festival intends to solidify its role as an essential gateway between the film industries around the world.
