Overview
- The 10-day event runs Dec. 4–13 in Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Al-Balad, presenting more than 100 films from over 50 countries.
- Sean Baker leads the selection jury, with Riz Ahmed, Naomie Harris, Nadine Labaki and Olga Kurylenko among the members for the 16-title Yusr Awards competition.
- The opening night featured the Middle East premiere of Rowan Athale’s Giant, starring Amir El‑Masry as Prince Naseem Hamed with Pierce Brosnan portraying trainer Brendan Ingle.
- Sir Michael Caine received a Red Sea honoree award presented by Vin Diesel, delivering remarks onstage while seated in a wheelchair alongside his grandchildren.
- The Red Sea Souk industry market begins with more than 160 companies registered, including senior executives from Netflix and Disney+, as rights groups continue to criticize Saudi cultural initiatives as image-burnishing.