Saudi Voices Take Center Stage in Red Sea New Vision Lineup with Four Titles
Red Sea ‘New Series’ Strand Showcases Unique Cinematic Works, Highlighting Creative Perspectives from Arab and International Talent
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 30 October 2024: The Red Sea International Film Festival has unveiled its lineup for the fourth edition of the ‘New Vision’ and ‘Series’ strands. This year marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time that Saudi works have been selected in the New Vision section, reflecting the vibrant evolution of local and regional cinema. The Series strand features exciting new voices from the small screen with four fresh international television shows.
In the Red Sea: New Vision strand, four out of five featured films are Saudi productions, celebrating exceptional talent and creativity while offering audiences a captivating glimpse into diverse cultures. This year’s lineup showcases Saudi voices alongside a diverse array of international films and series, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance and its commitment to global creativity and innovation.
Among the Saudi features, ALROSHAN, directed by Mohammed Ous, pays homage to the cherished artistic legacy of Roshans—traditional wooden facades that are architectural landmarks in Makkah, Jeddah, and Medina. WHEN THE LIGHT SHINES, directed by Ryan Al Bishri, documents the Layan Cultural Foundation’s mission to preserve Saudi Arabia’s heritage for future generations. Another notable film, OTHMAN IN THE VATICAN, directed by Yasir Bin Ghanem, highlights the universal language of art through the inspiring journey of Saudi artist Othman Al-Khozaim.
Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes and Film Classics, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene pulses through the heart of several films, capturing the energy, creativity, and ambition of its artists. With brushstrokes of passion and sculptures of bold vision, Saudi directors bring to life the stories of painters, sculptors, and other creatives who have shaped the country’s artistic landscape. The New Vision section celebrates groundbreaking directors whose films delve into real lives, offering fresh and thought-provoking perspectives.”
The lineup also features YALLA PARKOUR, directed by Areeb Zuaiter, a documentary that navigates nostalgia and ambition as parkour becomes a metaphor for resilience in the face of an uncertain future.
This year’s Red Sea Series introduces four new international television shows, emphasizing diverse genres including horror and adventure, and showcasing the global impact of television narratives.
Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming for the Red Sea International Film Festival, remarked, “This selection highlights television as a powerful medium for storytelling. Just as cinematic works embrace various formats and genres, television is experiencing an audience-led revolution, offering exciting documentaries, ghost stories, and swashbuckling adventures.”
Among the notable television selections are ZORRO, directed by Jean Baptiste Saurel, which transports audiences to Los Angeles at the turn of the 19th century; LOST WORLDS WITH BETTANY HUGHES: THE NABATEANS, which provides intriguing insights into the history of the Nabateans; and GHOST TRAIN, directed by Se-Woong Tak, which follows a YouTube creator seeking real-life horror stories in a Korean subway station. Additionally, TALES ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPHORUS, directed by Zeina Sfeir, explores the rise of Turkish drama and the creative and sociological factors contributing to its global success.
Films Selected for Red Sea: New Vision
- “ALROSHAN” directed by Mohammed Ous
Saudi Arabia
A deep dive into the long history of the Roshan, traditional carved wooden screens that shield Saudi windows from the desert sun. - “KEMOKAZI” directed by Abdulrahman Batawie
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah artist Kemokazi wrestles—sometimes literally—with his purpose as an artist. - “OTHMAN IN THE VATICAN” directed by Yasir Bin Ghanem
Saudi Arabia
Internationally esteemed Saudi artist Othman Al-Khozaim reflects on his lifelong relationship with the artistic spirit of Italy. - “WHEN THE LIGHT SHINES” directed by Ryan Al Bishri
Saudi Arabia
The enthusiasm and deep knowledge of H. H. Prince Faisal bin Abdullah drove the formation of the Layan Cultural Foundation, which preserves Saudi’s artistic history for the future. - “YALLA PARKOUR” directed by Areeb Zuaiter
Sweden, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Areeb seeks a memory that reinforces her sense of belonging and encounters Ahmad, a parkour athlete in Gaza.
Television Shows Selected for Red Sea: Series
- “GHOST TRAIN” directed by Se-Woong Tak
South Korea
A YouTube creator wanting more followers seeks out ghosts in a Korean subway station filled with spooky stories. - “LOST WORLDS WITH BETTANY HUGHES: THE NABATAEANS” directed by Jim Greayer
UK, KSA, Oman, Greece, and Jordan
Starting in AlUla, Bettany Hughes embarks on a fascinating journey to rediscover the history of the Nabateans. - “TALES ON BANKS OF THE BOSPHORUS” directed by Zeina Sfeir
Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey
Over just ten years, Turkish telenovelas have become a booming industry, exported across the globe. What is the secret behind this success? - “ZORRO” directed by Jean Baptiste Saurel
Belgium, France
When he becomes the mayor of Los Angeles, Don Diego de la Vega must resurrect his alter ego Zorro to save the town, starring Jean Dujardin.
