The Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 drops a star-studded line-up
The fourth edition of the illustrious film-focused event is heading back to Jeddah this December…
It’s that time of the year when a bevy of celebrated film stars and industry icons will descend upon Jeddah in December to participate in the prestigious event for movie lovers, directors, and actors.
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) 2024 has chosen Al-Balad, a historic district in Jeddah, as its new location.
Set to take place from Thursday December 5 to Saturday December 14, RSIFF will feature an exciting line-up of masterclasses from experts, intriguing showcases, and a glamorous awards night gala.
Over the ten-day festival, the Unesco World Heritage Site will be transformed to host the glitz and glamour of the ceremony, offering a unique blend of heritage and modernity, creating an immersive cinematic experience.
This year’s theme is ‘The New Home of Film,’ an ode to the historic venue that will welcome directors and superstars from around the world.
Here’s what to expect at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 in Jeddah.
The festival will screen 120 films from 81 countries, including 48 world premieres, 66 Arab movies, 34 Saudi films, 54 short films, and 63 feature films at the new venue — previous editions were held at the city’s Ritz-Carlton hotel — where five purpose-built cinemas and a large auditorium will host back-to-back screenings.
Moreover, 36 filmmakers will vie for awards, and 38 outstanding film and television projects will be featured at the Red Sea Souk Project Market, highlighting a variety of storytelling styles and talents from across the globe.
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RSIFF 2024 will open with “The Tale of Daye’s Family,” an Egyptian-Saudi co-production directed by Karim Shenawy, telling the inspiring story of Daye, a young Nubian albino boy with a powerful voice who faces adversity while journeying from Aswan to Cairo to audition for “The Voice”.
Johnny Depp-directed “‘Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness” will be this year’s Awards Night Gala film, while the fourth edition’s closing film will be “Better Man,” directed, co-written, and co-produced by Michael Gracey. The biopic reimagines the journey of British pop icon Robbie Williams – from boy band fame to tabloid scandal and his return to the spotlight.
In addition to these highlights, the festival will present a competitive line-up, including “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larrain and starring Angelina Jolie as opera star Maria Callas, and “We Live In Time,” featuring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.
Hollywood star Danny DeVito is expected to attend the gala screening of “A Sudden Case of Christmas.”
For the first time, the In Conversation With talks will take place at the brand-new Cultural Square headquarters of the Red Sea Film Foundation in Al Balad. The diverse slate of cinematic luminaries joins previously announced speakers Mona Zaki (Flight 404, Abserb: The Squadron), an award-winning Egyptian actor, and Viola Davis (The Woman King, Fences), Academy Award winner and co-founder of JVL Media.
Turkish stars Engin Altan and Nurgul Yesilcay
This year’s speakers include legendary filmmaker Michael Mann (Ferrari), Egyptian writer and director Mohamed Samy (Detention Letter), and Turkish stars Engin Altan Düzyatan (Diriliş: Ertuğrul) and Nurgül Yeşilçay (Magnificent Century: Kosem, The Edge of Heaven).
Kareena Kapoor and Eva Longoria
Also joining the line-up are Indian Cinema megastars Ranbir Kapoor (Animal) and Kareena Kapoor Khan (Buckingham Murders) and award-winning actor Eva Longoria (Only Murders In The Building), as well as this year’s Head of Jury Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman).
In the festival’s Souk Talents programme, aimed at up-and-coming creatives, on-screen star Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, tick, tick…BOOM!) will be delivering a talk.
Film enthusiasts and those interested in attending the live screenings at RSIFF 2024 can purchase their tickets on Redseafilmfest.com, with prices starting at SAR40.
Red Sea International Film Festival 2024, Dec 5 to 14, Al Balad, Jeddah. @redseafilm
Images: Supplied