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Red Sea International Film Festival Reveals Arab Short Film Lineup for 2024

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)
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Red Sea International Film Festival Reveals Arab Short Film Lineup for 2024

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has announced the lineup of Arab short films participating in the Red Sea Shorts Competition. These films will be screened from December 5 to 14 in Jeddah.

A total of 15 short films have been selected, featuring talent from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Jordan, and Lebanon.
The competition aims to provide a platform for both emerging and established local and regional talents to showcase their creativity on an international stage, connecting them with global audiences and industry experts.
RSIFF Director of Arab Programs and Film Classics Antoine Khalife said that this year's program features great films and talents that mirror the sophistication and maturity of the film and entertainment landscape in the region. He highlighted that filmmakers have conveyed powerful messages through an innovative cinematic approach, addressing a range of topics including self-discovery, identity, and mental health.
So far, RSIFF has screened more than 120 Arab and Saudi films between 2021 and 2023.

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Saudi Film Forum: Cinema Beyond the Screen

The forum’s first session hosted Prince Turki Al-Faisal.
The forum’s first session hosted Prince Turki Al-Faisal.
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Saudi Film Forum: Cinema Beyond the Screen

The forum’s first session hosted Prince Turki Al-Faisal.
The forum’s first session hosted Prince Turki Al-Faisal.

“Where cinema transcends the screen,” marked the opening of the Saudi Film Forum, which began on Wednesday evening in Riyadh.
The event attracted a large audience of filmmakers from around the globe, including American actor and producer Will Smith, this year’s special guest.
During the opening, Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan said : “Through the Saudi Film Forum, we are starting a new era that goes beyond creativity... toward a fully integrated film industry that connects us culturally and economically with the world.”
The first session featured Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, who spoke about the important role of films in bridging cultures.
He recalled how, nearly 50 years ago, the introduction of film on television helped Saudi society connect with the world and allowed others to understand Saudi culture.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s Experience
During the session, moderator Faisal Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, asked Prince Turki, “If you had a magic wand to choose a film about the Kingdom to produce, what would it be?”
The prince replied : “That’s a tough question. From my experience in producing films, some have had a significant impact on how people view the Kingdom and Islam, as well as what Saudi Arabia represents.”
He recalled the first Saudi-funded film, made nearly 20 years ago about the Arab historian Ibn Battuta, which was similar to a documentary. He noted that another film about the Hajj was produced that same year, and both were shown worldwide.
“My favorite film is ‘Born a King,’ which I co-produced,” Prince Turki shared.
“It tells the story of King Faisal's first journey abroad at age 13, commissioned by King Abdulaziz. I believe it was one of the first narrative films shot in the Kingdom with Saudi actors,” he added.
On Arab cinema, he said : “Many Arab films I've seen tend to be quite gloomy in terms of visuals and storytelling, which makes me reluctant to watch them.”
He stressed that films should aim to bring joy to viewers rather than leave them feeling sad or distressed.