The upcoming event will take place at Al-Balad, Jeddah.

Following the resounding success of previous years, the Red Sea International Film Festival is returning for its fifth edition. Taking place from 4 to 13 December 2025, this event will be held at the Red Sea Film Festival headquarters in Al-Balad, Jeddah.

Red Sea International Film Festival is committed to diversity and innovation in filmmaking. From the riveting Red Sea: Competition category, which celebrates boundary-pushing works of art, to the captivating Red Sea: Shorts Competition, dedicated to showcasing compelling short films under 60 minutes, there’s something for every film enthusiast. Additionally, the festival proudly presents the New Saudi/New Cinema category, a curated platform shining a spotlight on emerging local talent, promising fresh perspectives and creative ingenuity.

This year, the Red Sea International Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world, spanning drama, documentary, and animation. Among the main lineup are A Sad and Beautiful World by Cyril Aris, All That’s Left of You by Cherien Dabis, Allah Is Not Obliged by Zaven Najjar, Barni by Mohammed Sheikh, and Black Rabbit, White Rabbit by Shahram Mokri.

The festival also presents regional and international collaborations, including Hijra by Shahad Ameen, Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream by Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji, Lost Land by Akio Fujimoto, Nighttime Sounds by Zhang Zhongchen, Roqia by Yanis Koussim, and Sink by Zain Duraie. Further highlights include The Stories by Abu Bakr Shawky, The World of Love by Yoon Ga-Eun, Truck Mama by Zippy Nyaruri, Two Seasons, Two Strangers by Sho Miyake, Yunan by Ameer Fakher Eldin, A Matter of Life and Death by Anas Ba-Tahaf, Palestine 36 by Annemarie Jacir, The Fakenapping by Amine Lakhnech, Unidentified by Haifaa Al Mansour, and Wedding Rehearsal by Amira Diab, alongside the inspiring sports drama Giant.

In the International Spectacular section, you will enjoy titles like Alice Winocour’s Couture, Rupert Wyatt’s Desert Warrior, Santi Aguado and Reuben Atlas’s Farruquito – A Flamenco Dynasty, Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet, and Olivier Assayas’s The Wizard of the Kremlin. The Special Screenings program adds two acclaimed works namely, Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, and Oliver Laxe’s Sirat.

Last year, cinephiles were treated to a staggering lineup of 122 films from 85 countries, with the theme “A New Home of Film.” The opening featured the world premiere of The Tale of Daye’s Family, which follows a young boy with a beautiful voice as he faces challenges because of his appearance. Other movies, such as To A Land Unknown, Superboys of Malegaon, Saify, Moon and many others, promised cinematic brilliance as well. And this year, the festival aims to take things up a notch

Apart from movie screenings, a selection of short films were also on display. Additionally, talks with industry leaders and film workshops were also on the agenda to give fans an insight into the world of filmmaking and beyond, all of which are returning for the fifth edition.

With previous editions of the Red Sea International Film Festival playing host to a constellation of luminaries, including the likes of Will Smith, Johnny Depp, Shah Rukh Khan, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, and many more, this year’s going to feature some big names as well. Details on who will be gracing the red carpet and the theme for 2025 have not yet been announced.

So, grab your popcorn and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of cinema as the Red Sea International Film Festival returns with a bang. 

See you at the movies.

GO: Visit https://redseafilmfest.com for more information.