Red Sea Film Festival Unveils ‘New Saudi, New Cinema’ Program for Filmmakers

The Red Sea International Film Festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival
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Red Sea Film Festival Unveils ‘New Saudi, New Cinema’ Program for Filmmakers

The Red Sea International Film Festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival

The Red Sea International Film Festival revealed Thursday the highlights of its fourth edition in December, introducing the "New Saudi, New Cinema" program dedicated for filmmakers.

The initiative is set to embody diversity and innovation in the vibrant Saudi cinematic landscape, illuminating authentic local narratives that delve deep into the rich tapestry of Saudi cultural identity and heritage.

This year’s program features a selection of 20 films, varying from fantasy to reality and showcasing the talents of Saudi creators. The movies exhibit compelling themes such as ambition, identity, music, and inherited narratives, while exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships.

The program reflects the talented individuals’ potential in narrating unique stories in an innovative fashion, propelling the development and global resonance of Saudi cinema.

The films herald a fresh vision for the Saudi film industry, underscoring the unwavering support of the festival for Saudi filmmakers who have triumphed on the global stage. The festival stands as a premier platform for these visionaries to unveil their talents and creations to a worldwide audience.

Red Sea International Film Festival director of Arab programs and film classics Antoine Khalife highlighted the festival's steadfast dedication to presenting a program that mirrors the ever-evolving landscape of Saudi cinema. He expressed his enthusiasm in showcasing a diverse array of films this year, spanning animated features, narratives, and documentaries.



Santorini’s Earthquake Swarm Is Declining Gradually as Thousands Return to the Greek Island 

A drone view of the village of Oia, as the seismic activity continues, on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 20, 2025. (Reuters)
A drone view of the village of Oia, as the seismic activity continues, on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 20, 2025. (Reuters)
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Santorini’s Earthquake Swarm Is Declining Gradually as Thousands Return to the Greek Island 

A drone view of the village of Oia, as the seismic activity continues, on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 20, 2025. (Reuters)
A drone view of the village of Oia, as the seismic activity continues, on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 20, 2025. (Reuters)

An earthquake swarm near the island of Santorini is gradually declining a month after it began, Greek scientists monitoring the phenomenon said Monday.

The undersea shocks — sometimes recorded only minutes apart — led thousands of residents and workers to flee the famed clifftop towns of Santorini as well as the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos and Anafi.

Schools remain closed on those islands for a fourth week and many other restrictions are still in effect. But scientists said they were encouraged by the decline of the earthquake swarm.

“Seismic activity continues to show a gradual decline, both in terms of the daily number of recorded earthquakes and maximum magnitudes,” the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the University of Athens said.

“The activity remains concentrated in the same focal area ... with no new micro-seismic surges observed since Feb. 15,” it said.

The committee said it recorded more than 20,000 earthquakes of magnitude 1 or higher between Jan. 26 and Feb. 22.

The multiple earthquakes, attributed to natural tectonic processes as well as magma movements below the seabed, have measured up to magnitude 5.3 but have caused only minor damage.

Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos on Monday said several thousand people had returned to the island since late last week, and called on government authorities to provide additional assistance in dealing with risks — including controlling rockfalls and the installation and repair of hillslope fencing.