The fourth Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF, 5-13 December) has seen an update both in leadership and location. This year, the festival returns to the iconic old town of Jeddah, Al-Balad, where the first round was held in 2021. It is connected with its theme of the 2024 round, The New Home of Film: Bringing a cinematic event with cultural celebration in the Saudi UNESCO-listed old town. Mohamed Asseri, former board member of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has taken over as Acting CEO, succeeding Mohamed Al-Turki, who now serves as an adviser to the foundation.

RSIFF’s programming this year features a wide range of films, including standout productions from the Arab world, Saudi cinema, and international titles, showcased both in and out of competition, as well as an interesting lineup of global stars. Among them is the Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee, who presides over the official competition jury, and iconic American actress Viola Davis, one of this year’s Red Sea Honourees. Bollywood royalty Aamir Khan, another Honouree, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, and Shraddha Kapoor. Other celebrated attendees include Academy Award winners Michelle Yeoh and Michael Douglas; Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo; and renowned actors Emily Blunt, and Honourees, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Jeremy Renner. The list extends to cinematic legends like Michael Mann, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Olivia Wilde, as well as emerging talents from across the globe.

The opening night was a glittering celebration in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, where four stars were recognised for their exceptional contributions to cinema. Indian cinema icon Aamir Khan, Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt, and Egyptian star Mona Zaki received honours for their illustrious careers. A special recognition award was presented to action star Vin Diesel, celebrating his iconic characters and global fan base, with the award handed by his co-star Michelle Rodriguez. Viola Davis, another key honouree, will receive her award at the festival’s Awards Ceremony on 12 December.

The ceremony was attended by Jomana Al-Rashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Acting CEO Mohamed Asseri, and an array of international and regional film stars.

Celebrating Egyptian cinema is one of the key highlights of the festival. This celebration began on the opening night with Zaki, who said in her speech, “I always feel so lucky to have been born Egyptian, in a country that appreciates art in all its forms since the dawn of our civilisation thousands of years ago. Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, we have been expressing ourselves through art. That’s why we are all, including myself, naturally inclined to love all forms of art.”

There is also the presence of Abu Bakr Shawky, one of Egypt’s most prominent emerging directors, as a member of the official competition jury at this year’s festival. Shawky’s debut feature Yomeddine, (2018) was screened in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the François Chalais Award. His second feature, Hajan (2023), a Saudi-Egyptian co-production, further establishes his growing stature in the world of cinema.

For the first time since the Red Sea International Film Festival launched in 2021, the festival opens with an Egyptian film, The Tale of Daye’s Family, a joint Egyptian-Saudi production directed by Egyptian filmmaker Karim Elshenawy and written by Haitham Dabbour, who also co-produced the film alongside a group of Egyptian and Saudi producers. The cast features a blend of talent from various Arab countries, including Saudi actress Aseel Omran, Sudanese actress Islam Mubarak, and actor Badr Mohamed making his debut. The film also includes special appearances by prominent stars, most notably Egyptian pop icon Mohamed Mounir, known as The King.

This marks Elshenawy’s second feature film, centring on Daye, a 14-year-old Nubian albino with a golden voice who dreams of emulating his idol Mohamed Mounir despite bullying and abandonment. Auditioning for The Voice prompts a perilous family journey from Aswan to Cairo, marked by challenges and resilience. Aided by a kind fireman and a fateful meeting with Mounir, this heartwarming tale celebrates hope, ambition, and the transformative power of music. The Egyptian-Saudi production, featured in the Arab Spectacular programme, had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival, earning critical acclaim, widespread audience admiration, and a standing ovation during its screening.

Alongside the opening film, the festival showcases six recent Egyptian features, an Egyptian short film in competition and another out of competition, and three restored classics from Egyptian cinema.

In the Red Sea Official Competition, two Egyptian films are featured, including Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo, director Khaled Mansour’s debut, co-written by writer Mohamed Al-Husseiny and produced by Rasha Hosny and Mohamed Hefzy. The award-winning film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival. The story follows Hassan, his mother, and their dog Rambo as they face eviction from their landlord, Karem. After a conflict where Rambo bites Karem, Hassan sets out to protect his dog, delving into the city’s underbelly. Inspired by true events, the film explores the man-dog bond and everyday violence.

The second film in the competition is Snow White, director and writer Taghrid Abouelhassan’s debut, produced by Mohamed Agamy. The cast includes Mariam Sherif, Karim Fahmy, Mohamed Mamdouh, Mohamed Gomaa, Safwa, Nihal Kamal, Amr El-Diesel, and Khaled Sarhan. The story follows Iman, a 119 cm tall little person, navigating love and societal expectations, turning to online dating while her sister’s marriage is jeopardised by prejudice. With humour and heart, the film explores marriage, disability, and sisterhood, anchored in Mariam Sherif’s standout performance.

In the Red Sea: New Vision programme, the film East of Noon is featured, marking the second feature by Egyptian director Hala Elkoussy, who also co-wrote and co-produced it alongside producers Abdelsalam Moussa (also the cinematographer), Lonnie Van Brummelen, and Marc Thelosen. The cast includes Menha El-Batraoui, Ahmed Kamal, Omar Rozeik, and Fayza Shama. The film, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, is set in a remote sandy enclave and follows Abdo, an aspiring musician who balances digging graves with creating music from household items. Alongside his grandmother Nunna, he plans an escape while facing the tyranny of Master Shawky. Shot in black and white, East of Noon weaves Arabian Nights-inspired storytelling with a surreal exploration of youthful rebellion, liberating taboo ideas through a fantastical narrative.

In the Festival Favorites section, there is Egyptian filmmaker Jaylan Auf’s debut The Inevitable Journey to Find a Wedding Dress. Auf also penned the screenplay, and the film, produced by Mohamed Hefzy, premiered globally at the El Gouna Film Festival. The ensemble cast includes Yasmin Raeis, Asmaa Galal, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Salwa Mohamed Ali, Lubna Wanas, Arwa Gouda, Ingy Abo Elseoud, Mimi Gamal, Mohamed Abdelaziz, and Hisham Hussein. The film follows Warda who ruins her bridal gown on the eve of her wedding and, with her best friend, searches all across Cairo for a replacement. The journey becomes one of self-discovery, with the dress symbolising life in a changing urban landscape.

In the beloved Red Sea: Families and Children section, the second part of the film Sukkar: Sabaabaa W Houboub Al Kharziz, directed by Egyptian filmmaker Tamer Mahdy, takes the spotlight. A musical blend of family drama and heartfelt storytelling, the film is produced by MBC Studios in collaboration with Aroma Studios. Starring Hala Al-Turk in the lead role, the film showcases young talent from across the GCC and Middle East, including Moataz Hesham, Bavly Remon, Yasmina El-Abd, Dima Ahmed, Mohamad Al-Harbi, Hagar Mohamed, Maria Gomaa, and twins Abdullah and Omar Khaled. In addition, the musical features renowned adult actors Magda Zaki, Mohamed Tharwat, and Reham Al- Shanawany.

In the Red Sea Short Film Competition, the Egyptian-American director Adam Rayan presents Shams. The story follows Omar, a young boy who faces loss when his father dies and his mother decides to sell their beloved camel, Shams, due to poverty. Tormented by traders threatening Shams’ fate, Omar devises a daring rescue plan, driven by their unbreakable bond.

In the Red Sea: Treasures classics programme, three restored gems from Egyptian cinema are featured, including Smile, The Photo Comes Out Better (1998), directed by the renowned Sherif Arafa and written by the iconic Wahid Hamed. The film boasts a stellar cast of Egyptian cinema legends, led by Ahmed Zaki, Leyla Elwi, Sanaa Gamil, Mona Zaki, Karim Abdel-Aziz, and Ezzat Abu Ouf.

Also featured is the iconic film Shafika and Metwalli (1979), directed by Ali Badrakhan and written by the late legendary poet, writer, and cartoonist Salah Jaheen. Selected by festival honouree Mona Zaki, who is deeply inspired by the iconic Souad Hosni, the film reimagines a traditional folktale through a socio-political lens.

A cinematic masterpiece, Shafika and Metwalli remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its powerful storytelling and cultural significance. Bread and Salt (1949) by Hussein Fawzi is another gem among the restored Egyptian films showcased in the Red Sea Treasures section. Starring Saad Abdel-Wahab, Naima Akef, Hassan Fayek, and Abbas Fares, this classic is a testament to Fawzi’s storytelling and cinematic brilliance. It  remains one of Fawzi’s most celebrated works, highlighting his mastery as both a writer and cinematographer.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 12 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly