Find out the details of the opening ceremony of the Red Sea International Film Festival

 

The activities of the fourth session of the Red Sea International Film Festival kicked off yesterday evening, under the slogan “Cinema has a new home,” through an official opening ceremony held in Al-Balad’s Culture Square, Historic Jeddah, in the presence of an elite group of stars and directors. And filmmakers from around the world.

 

 

The opening ceremony included the screening The world premiere of the film “Dhi”, a joint Saudi-Egyptian production that tells the story of Nobi, an 11-year-old albino teenager with a sweet voice. The events of the film revolve around Nobi’s journey full of challenges, as he travels with his family from Aswan to Cairo to fulfill his dream of participating in “The Voice Kids” program, in a dramatic narration that carries the character of popular biographies.

 

 

The first screening of the film witnessed the presence of the main cast, including director Karim El-Shenawy, actor Badr Mohamed, Haneen Mohamed, Islam Mubarak, and Aseel. Omran, in addition to producer and writer Haitham Dabour.

 

 

The opening ceremony was presented by actress Daniela Rahma and director and writer Hakim Jumaa, in the presence of Jumana Rashid Al-Rashed, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Red Sea Film Foundation; Mohammed bin Ayed Asiri, Acting CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation; And Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Director General of the Red Sea Film Foundation.

 

 

The audience also included a group of stars and important figures, including jury president Spike. Lee and his jury members – director Abu Bakr Shawqi, famous Turkish actress Tuba Büyük Ustun, Oscar-nominated British actress Minnie Driver, and actor and producer Daniel Day. Kim.

 

 

The opening ceremony included honoring a group of Middle Eastern and international stars, including the icon of Indian cinema and the award-winning star, Aamir Khan, and his award was presented by international actress Eva Longoria. 

 

The British actress nominated for an Oscar, Emily Blunt, was also honored, and presented Her award is actress Michelle Yeoh. The award-winning artist Mona Zaki was presented by actress Minnie Driver. A special award was also presented to international star Vin Diesel, in honor of his artistic career rich in successful works and his beloved characters, and it was presented by actress Michelle Rodriguez.

 

 

In this regard, Jumana Al-Rashed said: “We are proud to host an elite group of filmmakers at the opening ceremony of the fourth session of the Red Sea Film Festival from our new headquarters in Culture Square, Al Balad, historic Jeddah. Through our ceremony today, we seek to shed light on Arab cinema at our opening ceremony, and to honor the elite of Arab and international artists.”

 

 

She added: “ We, at the Red Sea Film Foundation, aim to advance filmmaking in the Arab world, Africa, and Asia, by supporting their expertise and creativity through the Red Sea Market, The Red Sea Fund, the Red Sea Laboratories, and the global stage of our festival where we celebrate cinematic creativity. We also look forward to exploring our busy program, which presents 122 projects from 85 countries in 49 languages, from talented filmmakers.”

 

 

Mohamed Bin added Ayed Asiri, Acting CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: " As the CEO-designate, this is my first experience in launching the Red Sea International Film Festival, and it was a truly wonderful experience, especially with the screening of the film “Dhi”, which embodies the fruit of cooperation between the brightest Saudi and Egyptian talents and minds, and confirms our firm commitment to presenting the best in Arab cinema. We look forward to the next ten days, which will be days full of important events, such as cinematic programs, rich discussions, interactive sessions, and fruitful cooperation opportunities that celebrate cinematic creativity from around the world.