Jeddah Red Sea Film Festival marks historic moment for Saudi filmmakers
Saudis, Arabs, world stars and celebrities walked the red carpet in the conservative kingdom in a scene that no one could have imagined a few years ago.
The first film festival to take place in Saudi Arabia began in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on Dec. 6, almost four years after the ban on cinemas was lifted in efforts to modernize the kingdom.
The red carpet was rolled out to Arabs, Saudis, world stars, filmmakers, directors and producers in a scene that was not imaginable in the conservative kingdom where women wore only traditional black abayas in public up until a few years ago.
A series of reforms have been put in place since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed crown prince in 2017. Women are now allowed to drive. Mixed-gender concerts are allowed, and other steps are being taken to liberalize the country as it looks to diversify its economy and attract foreign investments.
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), which started a day after Jeddah hosted its first Formula One Grand Prix, will last until Dec. 15 and screen 135 feature and short films from all over the world in a step taken by Saudi authorities to promote the kingdom's new image.
