This year, the Red Sea Competition will present a variety of films by directors from the Arab world, Asia and Africa, and 16 films from the most important cinematic works made last year will compete. Spike Lee will join the rest of the jury to select and crown works worthy of winning the Al Yusr Awards, which take their name from the coral shapes that characterize the marine environment in ‘ Red Sea off the shores of Jeddah. It should be noted that the Golden Yusr Award for Best Feature Film in last year’s 2023 session went to the film In Flames by the Canadian-Pakistani director Zarar Khan. Spike Lee will also participate in a panel discussion in the “In Conversation” segment with several of the industry’s brightest minds from around the world to discuss the ideas, passions and experiences between They have a diverse presence in the world of cinema.
Jumana Al-Rashed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “We are delighted to welcome renowned director Spike Lee as Chairman of the Jury of this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival, Spike Lee director at his certain works have left a clear impression on the cinema sector and the cultural scene in general, and he has written with his creativity a famous Path which became a source of inspiration for him many directors after him, and his energy, inspiring vision, and true support for creativity and new talents helped make him a good choice to be the chairman of the festival’s jury this year. We look forward to his outstanding participation in judging the distinguished talents on the shortlist to win the competition.”
For his part, Spike Lee said: “Having been lucky enough to witness the incredible cinematic experiences and unique creative atmosphere of the Red Sea Festival in the 2022 session, I am happy to return to it this year as Chairman of the jury In addition to its importance in bringing diverse cultures together to celebrate the art of cinema, the festival also plays an important role in supporting filmmakers young films, and I am happy to see new directors from all over the Middle East, Asia and Africa this year. session We will face a challenge in choosing the winners from among so many prestigious works that will take part in the competition.”
The Red Sea International Film Festival is held in partnership with Spirit of Saudi Arabia, MBC Group and Genesis (Mohamed Yousef Naghi), as main sponsors; The TikTok platform, Saudi Airlines, AlUla Film Agency, Chopard, and the Saudi Research and Media Group SRMG are official sponsors. While the list of strategic sponsors of the Red Sea Market included “NEOM” and the Cultural Development Fund. In addition to the supporting sponsors, Nova, Mermaid Salon, and TV 11.
**How does Spike Lee believe his unique perspective as both a celebrated filmmaker and an educator will inform his role as Jury Chair at the Red Sea Film Festival?**
## A Discussion with Spike Lee: The Art of Cinema & Cultural Exchange
This transcribed interview unpacks the excitement surrounding Spike Lee’s appointment as Jury Chair for the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We delve into the significance of the festival, the evolving landscape of global cinema, and Lee’s unique perspective as both a celebrated filmmaker and an educator.
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Aisha Al-Thubaiti:** Film scholar and cultural critic, based in Jeddah.
* **Omar Hassan:** Young filmmaker and alumnus of the Red Sea Film Foundation’s training programs.
**Sections:**
**I. The Red Sea Film Festival: A Platform for Global Storytelling:**
* **Moderator:** Dr. Al-Thubaiti, as a film scholar based in Jeddah, what significance does the Red Sea International Film Festival hold within the context of Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural scene?
* **Dr. Al-Thubaiti:** …
* **Moderator:** Omar, you are a young filmmaker who has benefited from the Red Sea Film Foundation’s programs. How has the festival impacted aspiring filmmakers like yourself?
* **Omar Hassan:** …
* **Moderator:** Spike Lee, your participation as Jury Chair undoubtedly adds prestige to the festival. What draws you to this platform, and what are your expectations for the films in competition?
* **Spike Lee:** …
**II. Spike Lee’s Legacy: Inspiration, Innovation, and Impact:**
* **Moderator:** Dr. Al-Thubaiti, how has Spike Lee’s groundbreaking work influenced the landscape of cinema, particularly in terms of representation and social commentary?
* **Dr. Al-Thubaiti:** …
* **Moderator:** Omar, as a young filmmaker, how has Spike Lee’s body of work inspired your own artistic vision and storytelling?
* **Omar Hassan:** …
* **Moderator:** Mr. Lee, your films often tackle complex social issues with honesty and boldness. How do you navigate the responsibility of using cinema as a tool for social change?
* **Spike Lee:** …
**III. The Future of Cinema: Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Global Voices:**
* **Moderator:** Dr. Al-Thubaiti, what trends do you see emerging in global cinema, and how do festivals like the Red Sea International Film Festival contribute to fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration?
* **Dr. Al-Thubaiti:** …
* **Moderator:** Omar, what are your hopes for the future of Arab cinema on the international stage?
* **Omar Hassan:** …
* **Moderator:** Spike Lee, as we stand at the crossroads of a rapidly evolving global media landscape, what advice would you give to young filmmakers navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future?
* **Spike Lee:** …
**Concluding Remarks:**
* **Moderator:** We thank Dr. Al-Thubaiti, Omar Hassan, and Spike Lee for this enlightening discussion. The Red Sea International Film Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural exchange, and we eagerly anticipate the discoveries that lie ahead.
