The Red Sea Festival's segment "In Conversation With" will feature special guests from all over the world who will share insights and discuss their passions and stories with fans, cinema lovers, and industry executives. 

In Conversation With is part of the festival’s Souk Talents programme, aimed at nurturing up-and-coming creatives.

The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will be held at its new venue in the Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jeddah.

Zaki, 48, is one of Egypt's most popular actresses.

Her portfolio includes roles in films such as Flight 404 (2024), A-Serb: The Squadron (2024), Perfect Strangers (2022), The Spider (2022), The Black Box (El-Sandooq El-Aswad, 2020), Assia (2013), Dam El-Ghazal (2005), Saidi fi Al-Gama'a Al-Amrikiya (1998).

She won several awards at Egyptian film festivals, the highest recognition being the Faten Hamama Excellence Award offered to her at the Cairo International Film Festival in 2020.

Zaki has selected Shafika and Metwali (1979), directed by Ali Badrakhan, as her personal choice for the festival.

The film will be featured in the Red Sea Treasures programme, showcasing restored Egyptian classics.

In Conversation will feature renowned filmmakers, including Egyptian director and scriptwriter Mohamed Samy, known for his thought-provoking films including Detention Letter (2017); Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan, actress Nurgül Yeşilçay; American actor Andrew Garfield; American actresses Eva Longoria and Viola Davis; Indian actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, actor Ranbir Kapoor.

It will also feature the Emmy Award-winner American director Michael Mann and American Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter Spike Lee, who will serve as this year’s Head of Jury.