The Festival showcases the creative prowess of Saudi filmmakers, aligned with the nation’s vision for innovation and cultural growth.
The Festival unveils first glimpse of its 2024 lineup with the “New Saudi, New Cinema” programme, featuring 20 diverse films from Saudi filmmakers.
The 2024 “New Saudi, New Cinema” programme spotlights Saudi Arabia’s emerging cinematic talent, offering stories that explore cultural identity, personal triumphs, and modern societal trends.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia- –The Red Sea International Film Festival unveils the first strand of its fourth edition: the “New Saudi, New Cinema” programme. The announcement kicks off the Festival’s lineup, spotlighting the vibrant and evolving narratives in Saudi cinema.
From its foundation, the Red Sea Film Foundation has been deeply committed to nurturing the talent of Saudi filmmakers. This year, the “New Saudi, New Cinema” programme presents a diverse collection of 20 films. These works address themes from cultural identity and modern societal topics to personal victories, showcasing the creative prowess of Saudi teams and emphasizing local production.
This year’s selected films embody the finest in Saudi Arabia’s emerging cinematic talent, promising a bright future for the industry aligned with the “We Dream, We Achieve” motto of the 94th Saudi National Day. The Red Sea Film Foundation continues its legacy of supporting Saudi filmmakers who have achieved international success, providing a robust platform for the next generation.
Antione Khalife, Director of the Arab and Classics programme, added, “The festival each year aims to mirror the evolving landscape of Saudi cinema. This year, we are excited to present our most varied programme yet, with stories that offer a window into the diverse experiences across the Kingdom from animations to fiction to documentaries. Our filmmakers’ innovative storytelling and distinctive cinematic approaches continue to inspire and impress us.”
The selected titles are:
“A MOSQUITO”, directed by Raneem Almohandes and Dana Almohandes.
An animated short set in Al Ula, 1969, following Zozo, a mosquito with dreams of becoming a famous singer like the Egyptian legend Umm Kulthum. The film explores themes of ambition, identity, and the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams.
“THE POST”, directed by Zakaria Albashir
Six people witness the sudden death of a post office employee. This short fiction film delves into themes of community, death, and the reflections of those left behind, all set against the backdrop of a small post office.
“THE DREAMER DREAMS”, directed by Abdulmohsen Albinali
Set in pre-Islamic Arabia, this animated short follows a young priestess on her mystical journey of self-discovery. Through visions and dreams, she uncovers ancient truths, reflecting the rich folklore and spiritual heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
“UNDERGROUND”, directed by Abdulrahman Sandokji
This short documentary presents real-life stories of Saudi musical talents, capturing their early struggles, challenges in the music industry, and their future aspirations as they seek recognition in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
“PAVLOV’S BELLS”, directed by Khalid Fahad
The story of Nala, a girl who confronts the decisions of a powerful figure in the workplace, realizing the power lies not in the person but in the authority of the position itself.
“KHAMSEN” directed by Abdullah Alrowis
Nawaf breaks into a wealthy family’s house, but things take a turn when he encounters a large man with a rifle. They challenge each other to a life-or-death game of Carrom.
“TWO SISTERS” directed by Waleed Alqahtani
After a disastrous TV interview, actress Nour faces a PR crisis. At her birthday party, she decides to take control of her life amidst sneering guests and a ridiculous dance troupe.
“TIED” directed by Yam Fida
Abdulmalik conceals his brother’s death from their blind father, but a broken rosary and his father’s words foreshadow an unavoidable truth.
“WHERE’S THE IMAM?” directed by Abrar Qari
Saleh’s irresponsibility with money leads him to an obsession with stealing fire extinguishers, hoping it will help him pay his overdue rent.
“WHEN THE SHELVES HYMN” directed by Hanaa Saleh Alfassi
Mariam moves to AlUla to sell her family’s antique shop, only to uncover her missing husband’s dark secrets, leading her and her son toward newfound independence.
“ASEER MEMORY” directed by Saad Tahaitah
A documentary on Mohammed Al-Matali’s lifelong dedication to preserving Aseer’s rich history through books, videos, and forgotten local street names.
“DIAA SHAMSI” directed by Lama Jarkas
Diaa’s strained relationship with her narcissistic mother intensifies when she seeks independence by applying for a job against her mother’s wishes.
“SUGAR” directed by Khalid Bin Waleed
Abdulmalik wears his deceased brother’s ring to avoid telling their blind father the truth, but a broken rosary becomes an ominous sign.
“THE EXTRAORDINARY MISADVENTURES OF THE AMAZING BOY SUPER-BLURRY” directed by Hassan El Hejaili
Zezo discovers strange powers, like touching boiling tea unscathed, but no one seems to notice as his chaotic day unfolds in a whimsical black-and-white comedy.
“SAEED’S DAY” directed by Mohammed Zawari
Saeed’s attempts to recover from a late start to his day are thwarted by a series of comical and chaotic mishaps.
“GUM” directed by Belal Albader
Kindergarten boy Saad experiences love for the first time when new student Dania arrives, leading him to give her his most prized possession: his chewing gum.
“THE EDGE (ORA)” directed by Ahmed Alqithmi
A miserably married couple, Sultan and Haneen, confront their broken relationship when Haneen shares a shocking truth in response to Sultan’s probing questions.
“THE CERTAINTY” directed by Ahmad Kurdi
Devout Saad is torn between faith and compassion when he learns his beloved nanny died as a Christian, and his father refuses to pay for her funeral.
And the winners of the fourth edition of the 48 hours challenge:
“ALL IN ONE NIGHT (AION)” directed by Thoraya Akram
Malik, an introverted young man, finds his life changed when an imaginary friend in a pair of Converse shoes pushes him out of his comfort zone. The shoes lead him on a journey through the nightlife, forcing him to face his fears and expand his world.
“AFEN” directed by Nawaf Alkinani and Othman Al Khowiter
A TikTok group gains viral fame by filming their friend eating rotten food. As their friend’s health deteriorates, they ignore his condition until one of them steps in to save him from further harm.
The Red Sea International Film Festival invites audiences to explore this pioneering wave of Saudi cinema from December 5-14-, 2024, in Jeddah. The programme celebrates the artistry of Saudi filmmakers and sparks dialogue about the future of regional cinema.
