In a few days, the “Red Sea International Film Festival” will kick off its third edition in the city of Jeddah, and it is the most anticipated cinematic event in the region. Despite the short lifespan of this festival compared to the long-established and ancient film festivals, it was able to quickly compete with them and outperform many of them in terms of momentum. The productivity and geographic diversity of filmmakers, as well as the global strength of attendance at this festival, make it a cinematic destination that those interested in this sector cannot miss.
Today, Asharq Al-Awsat interviews Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea International Film Festival Foundation, about the latest achievements and preparations of the festival, which begins on November 30 for 10 consecutive days, to reveal that it was shown in the past two sessions 269 Films from 77 countries in more than 47 languages. He explained that the total number of films supported by the “Red Sea Fund” since its launch in 2021 until now has reached more than 251 films. He also revealed that 7 international films were supported by the “Red Sea Film Foundation” and are preparing today. To enter the Oscars race, after being officially chosen to represent their countries.
Muhammad Al-Turki told us about the festival in its third edition and the extent of its impact on the film industry locally and internationally. He said: “It is a unique platform for celebrating cinema and the meeting of cultures, while embracing stories that include all aspects of life. It is also a comprehensive cinematic platform that enhances diversity in all aspects of the film industry, from Without being limited to just watching films, it provides a rich and integrated experience that celebrates all dimensions of cinema, embodied in an atmosphere filled with celebration, communication and cultural exchange, with the slogan of this session: (Your story, your festival).”
Al-Turki says, in response to what distinguishes this session: Its goal is to build on the success of the past two sessions. To provide visitors with a richer and more enjoyable experience than the previous two, and it is clear that this goal intersects with the upcoming film programs, in addition to events, dialogues and honors, in the presence of a group of the brightest movie stars from all over the world. He continued his speech to Asharq Al-Awsat, saying: “The slogan of this year’s festival (Your Story, Your Festival) embodies our vision at the (Red Sea Film Foundation), which aims to support talents to make their voices heard and tell their stories that have not yet been told. We aim to enrich cinematic culture and spread it to everyone, to present this festival to a wide segment of audiences, not limited to film industry experts.”
The logo of the new session, which begins next Thursday (Image from the Red Sea Festival)
According to Al-Turki, the Saudi film industry has recently witnessed a remarkable and inspiring development. This development is part of a broader transformation that Saudi Arabia has succeeded in achieving in a range of fields. I can say that the most prominent developments that we have witnessed are: the increase in local film production, the diversification of cinematic trends and contents, and the increase in participation of Saudi films at the international level, with the government moving to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the film industry, including the establishment of cinemas, training centers and cultural institutions. He continues: “We at the Red Sea Film Foundation are pleased to be part of this development through our support of inspiring Saudi talents, who are drawing a bright cinematic future for the Kingdom. And for that reason; At the Foundation, we have prepared integrated programs aimed at supporting many Saudi filmmakers who have achieved international successes. Among these programs are partnerships with international bodies aimed at forming the new generation of film industry leaders, such as the partnership with the Film Market at the Cannes Film Festival, the Turin Film Laboratory, the German Goethe Film Institute, and with the Baden-Württemberg Academy and others, in addition to other dedicated programs aimed at empowering… Emerging talents and enhancing opportunities to achieve greater success by providing a platform to showcase the creativity of filmmakers.”
In a previous interview, Al-Turki mentioned that Saudi Arabia will occupy a distinguished position on the map of world cinema, and today, he says: “In fact, predicting this matter depends on many factors, but I can say that the Kingdom is already taking the right path towards this goal, with great speed and determination. The large investment in the film industry and the unlimited support for emerging local talents, whose level of cinematic awareness we were surprised by, are among the most important factors that help us reach this stage very quickly. I am confident that Saudi cinema will be able to make a noticeable impact on the global scene during the coming period.”
Before talking about the number of films that the festival supported and participated in other festivals and won awards, he wanted to talk first about the past three years, to clarify that there is “a point that is considered one of the basic pillars, which is the commitment to nurturing the new generation and promising talents of film makers, especially from Saudi Arabia and the world.” Arab, Africa and Asia, by enhancing communication with seasoned industry professionals around the world throughout the year. As for the films that were supported by the festival and shined locally, regionally and internationally, they are as follows: 6 films participated in the 76th session of the Cannes International Film Festival, and two films participated in the 73rd session of the Berlin International Film Festival and won awards. Two films also participated in the 13th session of the Malmo Arab Film Festival, and the film (Abd) participated in the 9th session of the Saudi Film Festival, and won 3 awards. The films (White Lies, Banil and Adama) also participated in the 44th Durban International Film Festival, and the film (White Lies) participated in the 70th Sydney Film Festival.
Practically, from its founding until now, Al-Turki says: The Red Sea Fund’s support extends to cover all stages of film making, through several rounds, starting with projects in the development stage, through the production stage, all the way to projects in the post-production stage. Starting in 2021, the Fund has initiated support for more than 251 films, and support is still continuing for many projects at all stages of filmmaking, and we are seeing a noticeable increase in the number of projects nominated for support day after day.
Regarding the Foundation’s most notable achievements, Al Turki says: “We are proud of the great international attention the festival receives; We have succeeded in achieving one of our main goals, which is to place the Kingdom on the map of the global film industry. We are proud to support filmmakers and authors from Africa and Asia, who do not have ample support opportunities that meet their aspirations.
He continues: “The Foundation has reaped the benefits of our support: 4 out of nine female filmmakers, who achieved record numbers at the Cannes Film Festival, and whose films were among the official selections to be shown at the festival. We are also proud of the films supported by the Foundation, and which had the honor of being shown in prestigious festivals as opening films. Like the film (Jean de Barry) at the Cannes Film Festival.
Muhammad Al-Turki (photo from his Instagram account)
Al-Turki tells us the numbers about the outcome of the Red Sea Film Festival over the past two years. He says: “The festival achieved great success during the previous two sessions, when it screened 269 long and short films from 77 countries in more than 47 languages. The films included 74 feature films and 45 short films. We supported local talent, screened 36 Saudi films, 42 Arab films, and supported 32 female directors to participate in creating the cinematic scene. In addition, we have witnessed great success in market projects with the implementation of 14 successful projects. To enhance interaction and participation; We granted 330 permits to attend the market. During this period, more than 66 production companies participated in the exhibitor hall. These numbers show that the institution is making steady progress to enhance the global cinematic scene.”
