“International Choices”.. The Red Sea Festival presents the best films of the year to Jeddah audiences
In a new step that confirms his position As a leading cinematic platform in the region, the Red Sea International Film Festival unveiled the “International Selections” program for its fifth session, which brings together a group of the most prominent films of 2025 that were admired by audiences and critics at international festivals, and a number of which are being shown for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa.
The program includes nine premieres in the region, in addition to two Egyptian films. They are shown for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presenting to the Jeddah audience A unique cinematic experience that brings together cultures and global visions.
Global diversity and cinema that transcends borders
The program celebrates a number of distinguished cinematic productions that have received widespread acclaim around the world, including the Japanese film KOKUHO, nominated for an Oscar and one of the most successful films at the Japanese box office, and the film GIRL, which is The first directing experience for the Asian star Xu Qi.
The French-Rwandan film KWIBUKE, REMEMBER, starring Sonia Rolland, is also participating, along with the Polish film ERUPCJA, starring the international singer Charli XCX. The action movie THE FURIOUS, produced by Bill Kong, adds a dose of excitement, while the movie NORMAL, directed by Ben Wheatley and starring Bob Odenkirk, offers a unique experience that blends Eastern and Western cinema in an exciting dramatic framework.
And from Europe, the Oscar-nominated Swiss movie LATE SHIFT appears, which reviews one day Full of challenges in the life of a young nurse, while the movie SAIPAN reopens the file of the 2002 World Cup, including behind the scenes, in which the Saudi national team played a pivotal role. As for the film PRIMAVERA, it takes the audience on a visual journey to the city of Venice in the eighteenth century, inspired by the worlds of the musician Antonio Vivaldi. The international track concludes with the winning Brazilian film at the Cannes Film Festival, THE SECRET AGENT, by director Kleber Mendonça Filho, which presents an exciting political drama set in Brazil during the military era in 1977.
A remarkable Arab presence
From the Arab world, the “International Choices” program presents two prominent Egyptian films that received wide acclaim at festivals. International.
The first is the film “The Settlement” by director Mohamed Rashad, and the second is “Cologne” “My Father’s Scent” by director Mohamed Siam. Both of them delve into the depths of family relationships and their complexities, focusing on the concept of fatherhood from poignant human angles and with remarkable acting performances.
Cultural Bridges Between East and West
In his comment on the program, Faisal Baltoor, CEO of the Red Sea International Film Festival, said:
“The “International Choices” program embodies a unique cinematic season this year, as it brings together… 12 films that shined in major film festivals, and were carefully selected by the festival team to present to our audience here in the heart of historic Jeddah. Out of our belief in the festival’s role in building bridges between East and West, and providing cinematic experiences that enrich the cultural scene, and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a leading cinematic destination.".
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