The section will showcase 12 standout films that highlight diverse perspectives and compelling narratives.
Egypt's presence is marked by East of Noon (Sharq 12), written and directed by Hala Elkoussy, and The Inevitable Journey to Find a Wedding Dress by Jaylan Auf, who also penned the script.
East of Noon is a 1h 49min drama that tells the story of musician Abdo, who seeks freedom through his art amid the constraints of his environment.
This film not only reflects contemporary Egyptian society’s struggles but also emphasizes the role of music as a vehicle for self-expression and creative rebellion against the elders. As a testament to Egypt’s cultural tapestry, the film offers audiences a glimpse into the heart of its artistic spirit.
The film stars Menha Batraoui, Ahmed Kamal, and Omar Rozek.
The Inevitable Journey to Find a Wedding Dress follows Warda’s frantic quest for a wedding dress, which evolves into a journey of self-discovery.
The narrative challenges Warda's relationship with her hometown of Cairo and her identity, highlighting personal growth and resilience.
The film stars Salwa Mohamed Ali, Asmaa Galal, and Yasmin Raeis.
The festival also features several films from other Arab and African countries, including Agora (Tunisia, France, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar) written and directed by Ala Eddine Slim, Freedom Way (Nigeria) by Afolabi Olalekan, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, and USA) directed by Bisola Akinmuyiwa, Elijah Atinkpo, Tina Edukpo, Samuel Okechukwu, Temitope Ogungbamila, and Mathew Cerf.
The international titles include Black Dog (China) by Guan Hu, Eephus (USA, France) by Carson Lund, Little Jaffna (France) by Lawrence Valin, and Santosh (UK, Germany, and France) by Sandhya Suri, among others.
In the festival's press release, Antoine Khalife, director of Arab Programmes and Film Classics, said: “This year’s Festival Favourites are films that stay with the viewer long after the curtain fall. They all tell important stories, tales of resilience, identity and universal truth. We invite you all to come to experience these stories for yourself, indulging in diverse perspectives from across the world.”
The fourth edition of the Red Sea IFF will be held at its new headquarters in the vibrant Al Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jeddah.
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