Shanina Shaik looked resplendent in in a black dress at the red carpet event
Shanina Shaik looked resplendent in in a black dress at the red carpet event Image Credit: Instagram @shaninamshaik

The Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah will run from December 8-11 and promises a packed schedule to bolster the flourishing industry in the region. The festival aims to provide a network for creators and industry professionals and enable new partnerships.

As part of the programme, the Red Sea Souk’s project market will include pitches for 23 projects that are still under development, and as many as five much-anticipated films will be screened at the festival.

There will be two separate juries for the event -- The Project Market Jury comprises Saudi poet and Festival director Ahmed Almulla, American producer Alix Madigan, and German producer Thanassis Karathanos. Meanwhile, festival director Alex Moussa Sawadogo, Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir, and French filmmaker Ladj Ly make up the Works-in-Progress Jury.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio attended the Red Sea Film Festival Opening ceremony. She wore a caped gown with beaded floral motifs from the Zuhair Murad Spring 2021 collection
Model Alessandra Ambrosio attended the Red Sea Film Festival Opening ceremony. She wore a caped gown with beaded floral motifs from the Zuhair Murad Spring 2021 collection Image Credit: Instagram @zuhairmuradofficial

“We are very excited to reveal all the projects, awards, industry events and activities and welcome Saudi and international industry delegates for the first edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival. The Red Sea Souk and Talent Days Program are the beating heart of the festival and provide a crucial platform for our local talent and broaden the horizons of aspiring Saudi film enthusiasts to elevate the Saudi film industry,” said Zain Zedan, Red Sea Souk Manager.

The exclusive opening for the event was graced by some of the biggest names in the region and beyond. Check out the gallery.