Red Sea Film Festival Unveils 2025 Competition Lineup

Jeddah, November 05, 2025 – The Red Sea International Film Festival has officially announced the highlights of its fifth edition, scheduled to run from December 4 to 13, 2025, in Jeddah. The announcement was made during a press conference where the festival also revealed the official selection of feature films competing for the prestigious Yusr Awards. The event will showcase 108 films from more than 60 countries, with a significant portion being world premieres.

Context and Background

Since its inception, the Red Sea International Film Festival has rapidly grown into a major platform for global cinema, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030. This year’s edition marks a continued expansion, with a broader lineup of events, including an enhanced market and industry programs. The festival serves as a bridge connecting Saudi filmmakers with the international community, fostering cultural exchange and creative collaboration.

Key Details

According to Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, 35% of the films featured are Saudi productions, underscoring the festival’s commitment to nurturing local talent. Notable selections include seven films supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation’s ecosystem, among them Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Academy Award submission, ‘Hijra; A Sad and Beautiful World,’ as well as ‘Sink,’ ‘Roqia,’ and the Kenyan documentary ‘Truck Mama.’ Additional world premieres include ‘Barni,’ while the MENA premieres feature the Locarno Golden Leopard-winning Japanese drama ‘Two Seasons, Two Strangers’ and ‘Lost Land,’ the first-ever Rohingya-language drama.

Implications and Impact

The festival’s growing international footprint highlights Saudi Arabia’s increasing role in the global arts and culture sector. By showcasing diverse stories from around the world, the event promotes cross-cultural understanding and positions the Kingdom as a hub for cinematic innovation. The inclusion of films from over 60 countries demonstrates the festival’s appeal and its potential to attract filmmakers, investors, and tourists, contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Red Sea International Film Festival is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the cultural landscape and position the Kingdom as a leading global destination for arts and entertainment. By fostering local talent and attracting international attention, the festival supports the development of a vibrant creative economy and enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power on the world stage. As the festival continues to grow, it will play a pivotal role in realizing the Kingdom’s long-term cultural and economic aspirations.

20 Questions

Q1. When will the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival take place?

A1. The fifth edition is scheduled to run from December 4 to 13, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Q2. How many films will be showcased at the festival?

A2. The festival will showcase 108 films, with a significant number being world premieres.

Q3. What percentage of the films are Saudi productions?

A3. 35% of the films are Saudi productions, reflecting the festival’s support for local filmmaking.

Q4. Who is the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation?

A4. Faisal Baltyuor is the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation.

Q5. How many countries are represented at the festival?

A5. The films represent more than 60 countries from around the world.

Q6. What is the name of Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Academy Award submission featured at the festival?

A6. The submission is ‘Hijra; A Sad and Beautiful World,’ which is supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation.

Q7. Which Kenyan documentary is included in the selection?

A7. The Kenyan documentary ‘Truck Mama’ is among the seven films supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation.

Q8. What are the additional films supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation?

A8. Other supported films include ‘Sink,’ ‘Roqia,’ and the Kenyan documentary ‘Truck Mama.’

Q9. Which film will have its world premiere at the festival?

A9. The film ‘Barni’ will have its world premiere at the festival.

Q10. What is the Locarno Golden Leopard-winning Japanese drama being screened?

A10. The Japanese drama ‘Two Seasons, Two Strangers’ will have its MENA premiere, having won the Locarno Golden Leopard award.

Q11. Which film is the first-ever Rohingya-language drama?

A11. The film ‘Lost Land’ is the first-ever Rohingya-language drama and will have its MENA premiere at the festival.

Q12. What additional events will the festival feature this year?

A12. The festival will feature an expanded market and industry programs, highlighting its growing global influence.

Q13. Where is the Red Sea International Film Festival held?

A13. The festival is held in Jeddah, a major city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.

Q14. What are the Yusr Awards?

A14. The Yusr Awards are the official competitive awards for feature films at the Red Sea International Film Festival.

Q15. How does the festival contribute to Vision 2030?

A15. The festival supports Vision 2030 by enriching Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape and promoting the Kingdom as a global destination for arts and entertainment.

Q16. What is the Red Sea Film Foundation?

A16. The Red Sea Film Foundation is the organization behind the festival, dedicated to supporting filmmakers and the development of the film industry in Saudi Arabia.

Q17. How many films in the selection are supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation?

A17. Seven films in the selection are supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation’s ecosystem.

Q18. Why is the festival significant for the global film industry?

A18. The festival provides a platform for international films, showcasing diverse stories and fostering cross-cultural cinematic dialogue.

Q19. What is the duration of the festival?

A19. The festival lasts for 10 days, from December 4 to 13, 2025.

Q20. What is the overarching goal of the festival in relation to Saudi Arabia’s international standing?

A20. The festival enhances Saudi Arabia’s cultural soft power and global standing by attracting international filmmakers and audiences, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal to diversify the economy through cultural industries.

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