Look who's in town for the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025
Dakota Johnson, Jessica Alba, and Kirsten Dunst are among the Hollywood stars to hit the red carpet at this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival
This week, all eyes are on Jeddah, with the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) officially underway.
Now in its fifth year, RSIFF returns with the theme “For the Love of Cinema”, and promises more than 100 films from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa, alongside exclusive screenings, industry initiatives and a renewed focus on women filmmakers and global collaborations.
Running through Sunday December 13, RSIFF transforms the city into a cinematic playground, where Hollywood, Arab and Bollywood stars mingle on the same red carpet.
Here are the A-listers we have spotted at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025.
Adrien Brody 
Oscar winner Adrien Brody returns to RSIFF for a master class and an in-conversation session with his fans. For the uninitiated, the “In Conversation With” strand welcomes special guests from all over the world to share insights and engage in meaningful discussions about their practice, passions, and stories with fans, cinema lovers, and industry executives.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
One of India’s most celebrated global icons also gave a session at RSIFF 2025. She shared candid reflections on her career – balancing motherhood and professional ambition, navigating public perception, and carrying the weight of representation.
Ana de Armas
Oscar-nominated actress Ana de Armas spoke candidly about her journey in a masterclass with a room of film-loving students and emerging creatives – from Havana to Madrid to Los Angeles – and the practical realities of building a career in film. She shared the early setbacks, the language barriers, and the moments when she had to start from scratch in a city where no one knew her.
Dakota Johnson
Hollywood star Dakota Johnson captivated audiences at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival, marking her first visit to Saudi Arabia with an engaging “In Conversation With” attended by a full house. Known for her eclectic career choices, a candid Johnson opened up about her career, reflecting on the projects she is most proud of, offering insights into her push to become a producer through her production company, TeaTime Pictures, and on the future of her work at the film festival.
Jessica Alba
Golden Globe-nominated actress, New York Times bestselling author, and powerhouse entrepreneur Jessica Alba was spotted in AlUla before making an appearance at RSIFF 2025. On her second visit to RSIFF, Alba took part in the festival’s “In Conversations With” series and shared insights into her busy life as an actor, entrepreneur, and mum, including her thoughts on the Fantastic Four film franchise (both old and new). But the emphasis was on her recent work as a producer with her two-year-old production company Lady Metalmark Entertainment.
Kirsten Dunst
Academy Award nominee Kirsten Dunst discussed the progress made in the film and TV industry since the #MeToo movement took hold. She also gave an intriguing tease of her role in Ruben Östlund’s upcoming film The Entertainment System Is Down, in which she is part of a large ensemble cast that also features Daniel Brühl and Keanu Reeves, among others.
Nina Dobrev
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Canadian actress Nina Dobrev brought star power to RSIFF, charming fans and film lovers alike. She also opened up about her journey, revealing that The Vampire Diaries was her most challenging role.
Queen Latifah
Oscar-nominated actress and producer Queen Latifah lit up the Red Sea International Film Festival with her incredible energy and signature laughter. At the “In Conversation With” session, she discussed mentorship and how to lift other voices in the industry, underscoring a theme that resonated throughout the festival: women supporting women.
Rekha (Bhanurekha Ganesan)
In a rare appearance, Indian actress Rekha was presented with her Red Sea Honouree Award by Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Faisal Baltyuor, alongside Director of International Programs Fionnuala Halligan, who also introduced the international premiere of Rekha’s restored 1981 classic Umrao Jaan. The film’s director Muzaffar Ali was also in attendance for the screening. Showing as part of the festival’s Treasures programme, Umrao Jaan is a beloved heritage work set in 1857 Lucknow and tells the story of a local tawaif and poet, and her rise to fame. Critics describe Rekha as one of India’s finest ever actresses, and the film is considered one of India’s greatest cinematic achievements.
Rita Ora
British singer Rita Ora performed in front of a star-studded audience at the Women in Cinema gala on Friday night during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. Later in the evening, she spoke about the empowerment of women in the film and music industries, emphasising that she continues to learn and push boundaries.
Sir Michael Caine
Academy Award-winning actor Sir Michael Caine will be honoured at RSIFF 2025. The British cultural icon, whose seven-decade career and more than 160 films have made him one of cinema’s most beloved actors. Born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite in South London, he broke through with Zulu, defined 1960s British cinema with The Ipcress File and Alfie, and won two Academy Awards for Hannah and Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules. Christopher Nolan introduced him to new generations through The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception. Knighted in 2000 and one of only five male actors nominated for Oscars across five decades, Caine announced his retirement in 2023 – and now returns with Vin Diesel in The Last Witchhunter 2.
Uma Thurman
Hollywood icon Uma Thurman turned heads at the RSIFF, owning the spotlight with effortless poise. A true cinematic legend in every frame.
Vin Diesel
Among those attending the star-packed opening of RSIFF was Vin Diesel. The “Fast and Furious” star, who received the festival’s Special Recognition Award in 2024, wheeled the legendary Sir Michael Caine onto the red carpet, where they warmly posed for the cameras.
Images: Supplied by Getty Images & RSIFF
