Middle Eastern works to take center stage at Saudi Red Sea Film Festival
The festival’s main competition features 10 directors from the Middle East and North Africa.
The Red Sea International Film Festival returns to Saudi Arabia next month, featuring a lineup of films from around the world and spotlighting directors from the Middle East and North Africa as they compete for the prestigious Yusr Awards.
The fifth edition of the festival, showcasing more than 100 films from over 70 countries including 38 world premieres, will run Dec. 4-13 in Jeddah.
Since launching in 2021, the Red Sea International Film Festival has been part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to grow its entertainment and cultural industries. The kingdom has invested heavily in hosting major concerts, sporting events and cultural initiatives, including signing international stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo to headline domestic leagues.
American director Sean Baker, whose film “Anora” won Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards, will serve as president of the festival’s feature-film jury.
