- Saudi Voices Take Center Stage in Red Sea New Vision lineup with four titles.
- Red Sea ‘New Series’ Strand Unveils a Spectrum of Unique Cinematic Works, Highlighting Creative Perspectives from Arab and International Talent
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-: The Red Sea International Film Festival has announced its lineup for the fourth edition ‘New Vision’ and ‘Series’ strands. This year marks the first time Saudi works have been selected in New Vision, underscoring the vibrant evolution of local and regional cinema, while the Series strand highlights exciting new voices from the small screen with four new international television shows.
Four out of the five films spotlighted in the Red Sea: New Vision strand are Saudi, celebrating exceptional talent and creativity while offering audiences a captivating glimpse into diverse cultures. Saudi voices take centre stage this year alongside a diverse selection of international films and series, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance while highlighting global creativity and innovation.
The Saudi feature, ALROSHAN by director Mohammed Ous, celebrates the cherished artistic legacy of Roshans, wooden facades that are architectural landmarks in Makkah, Jeddah, and Medina. WHEN THE LIGHT SHINES, Ryan Al Bishri documents the Layan Cultural Foundation’s mission: preserving Saudi Arabia’s heritage for future generations. Another standout selection that showcases an inspiring journey is OTHMAN IN THE VATICAN directed Yasir Bin Ghanem that highlights the universal language of art.
Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes and Film Classics, said: “Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene pulses through the heart of several films, capturing the energy, creativity, and ambition of its artists. With brushstrokes of passion and sculptures of bold vision, Saudi directors bring to life the stories of painters, sculptors, and other creatives who have shaped the country’s artistic landscape, inviting us to see the world through their eyes. We hold a special affection for the New Vision section, which celebrates groundbreaking directors whose films dance between documentary and fiction. These films delve into real lives with a human touch, offering fresh and thought-provoking perspectives.”
Tales from further across the Arab world bring forth Areeb Zuaiter’s YALLA PARKOUR, a documentary that leaps between nostalgia and ambition as parkour becomes a metaphor for resilience in the face of an uncertain future.
This year brings an exciting lineup of new voices from the small screen, highlighted by four new international television shows to preview in Red Sea Series. With a focus on diverse genres, including horror and adventure, it highlights the global impact of television narratives.
Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming for the Red Sea International Film Festival, said: “The selection this year highlights how television is a great long form way to tell histories and relay episodic stories. Just as is happening with cinematic works, television is also embracing all formats and genres, especially horror. It’s an audience led revolution in storytelling and this year’s selection has exciting documentaries, ghost stories and swashbuckling adventures.”
Jean Baptiste Saurel will take audiences back to Los Angeles at the turn of the 19th century in ZORRO; LOST WORLDS WITH BETTANY HUGHES: THE NABATEANS provides fascinating insight into history of the Nabateans, and Se-Woong Tak’s Ghost Train follows YouTube creator Da-kyung, who specializes in finding real-life horror stories. Another stand out selection is TALES ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPHORUS from Zeina Sfeir that explores the rise of Turkish drama, examining the creative and sociological factors behind its global success and appeal across cultures.
Films selected for Red Sea: New Vision
“ALROSHAN” directed by Mohammed Ous
Saudi Arabia
A deep dive into the long history of the Roshan, the traditional carved wooden screens that shield Saudi windows from the desert sun.
“KEMOKAZI” directed by Abdulrahman Batawie
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah artist Kemokazi wrestles – sometimes literally – with his purpose as an artist.
“OTHMAN IN THE VATICAN” directed by Yasir Bin Ghanem
Saudi Arabia
Internationally esteemed Saudi artist Othman Al-Khozaim reflects on his lifelong relationship with the artistic spirit of Italy.
“WHEN THE LIGHT SHINES” directed by Ryan Al Bishri
Saudi Arabia
The enthusiasm and deep knowledge of a Saudi prince – H. H. Prince Faisal bin Abdullah – drove the formation of the Layan Cultural Foundation, which preserves Saudi’s artistic history for the future.
“YALLA PARKOUR” directed by Areeb Zuaiter
Sweden, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Areeb seeks a memory that reinforces her sense of belonging and encounters Ahmad, a parkour athlete in Gaza. Their journey intertwines conflicting aspirations as nostalgia meets ambition, and the weight of her past confronts an uncertain future.
Television shows selected for Red Sea: Series
“GHOST TRAIN” directed by Se-Woong Tak
South Korea
A YouTube creator wanting more followers seeks out ghosts in a Korean subway station filled with spooky stories.
“LOST WORLDS WITH BETTANY HUGHES: THE NABATAEANS” directed by Jim Greayer
UK, KSA, Oman, Greece and Jordan
Starting in AlUla in Saudi Arabia, Bettany Hughes goes on a fascinating journey of rediscovering the history of the Nabateans.
“TALES ON BANKS OF THE BOSPHORUS” directed by Zeina Sfeir , Idea & Research by Bissan Tay
Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey
Over just 10 years, Turkish “telenovela” series have become a boom industry, exported across great swathes of the world. What is the secret of this success?
“ZORRO” directed by Jean Baptiste Saurel
Belgium, France
When he becomes the mayor of Los Angeles, Don Diego de la Vega has to bring back his alter ego Zorro to save the town. Starring Jean Dujardin.
