Program detection "Treasures of the Red Sea" Restored cinematic works from the masterpieces of Arab and international cinema

The Red Sea International Film Festival revealed the details of the “Treasures of the Red Sea” program. Cinema for its fifth session, which showcases six timeless masterpieces of Arab and international cinema, in addition to the first silent cinema show accompanied by live music in the history of the Kingdom; It is scheduled to be shown during the fifth session of the festival, which is scheduled to be held from December 4 to 13, 2025 in the country’s historic Jeddah.

 

 

This year, the program celebrates timeless cinematic masterpieces that have been restored to be shown to a new generation of lovers of the seventh art, in honor of The legacy of Egyptian cinema by showing two rare films by director Ahmed Badrakhan starring the icon of Arab art, Umm Kulthum, after their restoration by the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation and the Media Production City in Egypt. The movie “Aida” (1942), and the film “Ode to Hope” (1937), to be shown in their restored 4K versions for the first time ever.

 

 

“Aida” presents A cinematic painting full of emotion and music, where Umm Kulthum plays the role of a talented farmer’s daughter whose voice transcends the barriers of class and status, becoming a symbol of love, inspiration, and victory over restrictions, in a story that embodies the features of her beginnings as a star of Arab cinema. As for “Ode of Hope,” it paints a poignant picture of a woman torn between her passion for art and the pressures of society, in a narrative that reflects Umm Kulthum’s realistic struggle to empower her voice and impose her presence, and embodies art as an influential means of expressing Self.

 

 

On the international side, the program embraces timeless cinematic masterpieces, the most prominent of which is the film “Amrao Jaan,” one of the classics of Indian cinema, which was restored with 4K resolution this year by the “National Archives.” For films in India» As part of the “National Film Heritage Initiative,” it will be shown for the first time outside India at the Red Sea International Film Festival. The program also presents the restored 2024 version of the film “Enchanted.” By international director Alfred Hitchcock, in partnership with “The Film Foundation” Led by Martin Scorsese, it is the first time the festival has screened a restored film from this global edifice of film restoration. As for the movie “Big Blue” By French director Luc Besson, he brings back to the screen an enchanting cinematic masterpiece that combines love, friendship and deadly competition in the world of free diving.

 

 

In a unique experience, the Red Sea Treasure Program presents the film “The Amazing Show” “The silent one” Led by British musician Neil Brand, who specializes in accompanying silent films with live music, he will bring to life three silent cinema masterpieces by comedy legends Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and the duo Laurel and Hardy, in a unique family show that combines music with laughter. The neighborhood.

 

 

For his part, Faisal Baltoor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “This year’s selections celebrate the legends of the seventh art and their immortal works that shaped the memory of world cinema, to return to the screen in restored copies that combine The authenticity of the past and the splendor of the present. We are honored to be part of the journey to revive Umm Kulthum’s cinematic legacy by restoring two of her most prominent films, confirming our continued commitment to preserving the Arab and international cinematic heritage and sharing it with our audience during the fifth session of the film. The festival."

 

 

List of films – “Treasures of the Red Sea” program:

 

The movie “Aida”

 

Directed by: Ahmed Badrakhan – Egypt

 

The film Aida (1942) presents a captivating blend of romance, social commentary and musical brilliance, starring Umm Kulthum, who plays the talented farmer’s daughter “Aida”, in a love story with a young nobleman who encounters his father’s disapproval. The course of events changes when the Pasha is impressed by her singing talent, so his heart softens and he accepts their engagement. The film was restored in 4K resolution at Cairo Media Production City with support from the Red Sea Film Foundation.

 

The film “Ode to Hope”

 

Directed by: Ahmed Badrakhan – Egypt

 

 

In this classic film (1937), Umm Kulthum embodies the character “Amal” She is torn apart by conflicts between her artistic ambition and the restrictions of society that imposes traditional roles on her. Despite the end of the film, which reflects the abandonment of dreams, Umm Kulthum actually defied these restrictions, which makes the work a testimony to the power of art, and a symbol of the perseverance of Arab women.

The movie “Enchanted”

 

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock – United States

 

A psychological masterpiece from 1945, examining the obsession with psychoanalysis through a mysterious relationship between a psychiatrist (Ingrid Bergman) and a patient who claims to be a doctor (Gregory Peck). The film will be presented in its restored version in 2024, produced by “Walt Disney Studios”. In cooperation with “The Film Foundation” And “The Academy Archives”, with special thanks to Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

The film “The Big Blue”

 

Directed by: Luc Besson – France, United States, Italy

 

 

A poetic journey into the depths of the sea in a genius film produced in 1988, embodying a story of friendship and competition between two free divers, with remarkable performances by Jean Reno and Jean-Marc Barr. With its dreamy music and stunning watercolor images, the film is considered one of the most successful works in the history of French cinema, with sales exceeding ten million tickets. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy – United States

 

 

A unique live performance by Neil Brand, one of the world’s leading silent film accompanists, brings last-century comedies to life with live musical accompaniment on piano and drums. A fun family experience that combines art and laughter in an unforgettable evening.

The movie “Amrao Jaan”

 

Directed by: Muzaffar Ali – India

 

 

A masterpiece of the classics of Indian cinema, adapted from the novel “Amrao Jaan Ada” (1899), tells the story of a poet and dancer from Lucknow who rises to fame in an atmosphere of poetry, music, and oriental beauty. The star “Rekha” shined In her iconic performance, while director Muzaffar Ali crafted a timeless, poetic visual painting that celebrates the ancient Odia culture.