The Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 returns to the heart of Jeddah’s historic district, Al-Balad, from 4-13 December 2025, transforming the UNESCO World Heritage Site into a global stage for cinema, art, fashion, music, and unforgettable Red Sea nights. For 10 days, coral-stone houses, lantern-lit alleys, and restored heritage buildings come alive with screenings, premieres, red carpets, panels, and lively festival energy.
Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile, a culture lover planning a trip to Jeddah, or a curious local looking to experience the city in a completely new way, this guide covers everything you need to know about Red Sea Film Festival 2025.
What is the Red Sea International Film Festival?
Launched in 2019, the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) is Saudi Arabia’s premier cinematic event and one of the most influential film festivals in the Middle East and North Africa. At its core, the festival champions Arab, African, Asian, and Global South storytelling, while showcasing major international titles and welcoming global stars, directors, producers, and creative professionals.
Its mission aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on:
- Supporting emerging Saudi and regional filmmakers
- Strengthening the Kingdom’s creative industries
- Positioning Jeddah, specifically Al-Balad, as a global cultural destination
- Bridging local talent with international networks and industry platforms
Every year, the festival keeps expanding its scope, from film competitions and restored classics to masterclasses, industry networking, and star-studded premieres.
Why Al-Balad is the Perfect Festival Home
Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic old town, is part of the festival’s identity. With coral-stone houses, traditional rawasheen wooden balconies, winding walkways, and an unmatched atmosphere, Al-Balad becomes an open-air cinematic universe during the festival. Restored heritage buildings turn into screening halls, rooftops become artistic venues, and every alley offers food stalls, cafés, galleries, and immersive experiences.
The vibe is unlike any other festival in the world: contemporary cinema staged against centuries-old architecture.
Key Dates for the 2025 Edition
Festival Dates
4–13 December 2025
Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad)
More than 100 films from over 70 countries are expected, including premieres, award-winning festival favorites, and restored classics.
Red Sea Souk (Industry Market)
6–10 December 2025
For filmmakers, producers, and industry experts, the Red Sea Souk is where deals are made and future projects are born. With networking lounges, “work-in-progress” showcases, and financing opportunities, it is the largest industry platform in the MENA region.
Opening Night Film: Giant
The festival will open with Giant, Rowan Athale’s highly anticipated biopic about British-Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed. Starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan, the film follows Naz’s journey from a working-class kid in Sheffield to World Featherweight Champion, exploring fame, identity, and the racism he faced in 1980s-90s Britain.
Expect glamour, global film buzz, and one of the most in-demand red carpets of the festival.
Star Honourees & Women in Motion 2025
To celebrate its fifth edition, RSIFF will honour five cinematic legends for their lifetime achievements:
- Juliette Binoche – Oscar-winning French actress and filmmaker
- Sir Michael Caine – iconic British actor and two-time Oscar winner
- Sigourney Weaver – globally recognized star of Alien, Avatar, and more
- Rachid Bouchareb – acclaimed French-Algerian director
- Stanley Tong – Hong Kong action director and stunt visionary
Kering | Women in Motion at Red Sea
Juliette Binoche will join a special panel alongside:
- Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen
- Palestinian-American director Cherien Dabis
The conversation will spotlight women’s voices, challenges, and creative evolution in cinema, connecting Saudi’s emerging film culture with global narratives about representation.
Special Screenings Not to Miss
1) The Voice of Hind Rajab – Dir. Kaouther Ben Hania
A deeply emotional hybrid of documentary and drama, the film reconstructs the final hours of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child whose story has resonated around the world. Using real audio recordings and staged reenactments, the film honours her experience with sensitivity and cinematic power.
2) Sirât – Dir. Oliver Laxe
A visually poetic journey where a father and his young son cross Morocco’s desert and rave scene in search of a missing daughter. Expect raw landscapes, meditative pacing, and stunning cinematography.
Both films are first-time screenings in Saudi Arabia and are expected to spark conversations long after the credits roll.
Restorations & Treasures: Celebrating Cinema History
The festival’s “Treasures” programme returns with iconic films from around the world in newly restored versions. Confirmed titles include:
- Umrao Jaan (1981): a restored 4K version of the legendary Indian musical-drama
- AIDA, Nashid al-Amal (Song of Hope): Arab classics brought back to the big screen
- Silent Spectacular: a special celebration of silent-era films accompanied by live music, directed by Charlie Chaplin
This is a major draw for film lovers, offering rare opportunities to watch classics in their best form.
In Conversation: Up-Close Moments with Cinema Icons
One of the most exciting parts of Red Sea 2025 is the “In Conversation” series. Intimate, onstage discussions where actors and directors share insights into their craft, careers, and behind-the-scenes stories. This year’s lineup includes but is not limited to:
- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Bollywood icon
- Adrien Brody – Oscar winner for The Pianist
- Sigourney Weaver – festival honouree
- Stanley Tong – action filmmaker and stunt innovator
- Sean Baker – director of Tangerine and The Florida Project
- Yacoub Alfarhan – leading Saudi actor
Many talks include audience Q&A, making these sessions a rare opportunity to engage directly with industry greats.
New for 2025: The Fan Zone
This year of Red Sea Fil Festival introduces the Fan Zone, a designated area along the red carpet created for festival-goers who want to get close to the stars. Fans can:
- Watch celebrities arrive
- Take photos and videos
- Occasionally snag autographs
- Experience the glamour up close
If you didn't register, don't worry; there are plenty of public spots around Al-Balad where you can still enjoy the red-carpet atmosphere.
Festival Sections You Should Know
RSIFF includes a rich mix of film categories and programmes, such as:
- Competition (Feature, Documentary, Short)
- Red Sea: Arab and African New Cinema
- International Spectacular
- Red Sea: Treasures & Restorations
- New Saudi/New Cinema
- Special Screenings
- In Conversation events
- Workshops and masterclasses
Whether you’re into experimental films, mainstream premieres, or regional talent, there’s something for everyone.
Tips for Experiencing the Festival Like a Pro
- Arrive early for screenings. Heritage venues can fill quickly
- Wear comfortable shoes. Al-Balad’s streets are beautiful but uneven
- Plan your red-carpet stops based on celebrity arrivals
- Explore between screenings. Al-Balad’s charm is part of the experience
More Than Just a Film Festival
RSIFF is a cultural milestone. It marks the growth of Saudi Arabia’s creative industries, expands opportunities for regional filmmakers, and welcomes global cinema into one of the Kingdom’s most historically rich districts.
With its mix of heritage and Hollywood, tradition and transformation, Red Sea 2025 promises to be its most spectacular edition yet.