A series of workshops and panel discussions with filmmakers and industry experts will be held during Red Sea Documentary Film Days.
The Red Sea Film Foundation, in collaboration with Art Jameel, has announced the return of their summer documentary film programme, now in its third year at Hayy Cinema, Saudi Arabia’s first independent film and audiovisual centre in Jeddah. The Red Sea Documentary Film Days is scheduled from June 6 to June 9, 2024, offering audiences a lineup of six co-curated documentary films from around the world, featuring themes such as biographies, sports, and discovery. The programme includes a dialogue session with Oscar-nominated Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania and panel discussions with prominent filmmakers from across the region.
The event, a collaboration between Red Sea Film Foundation and Art Jameel, will also feature the “Maflam” workshop, followed by screenings of the Keyff Hayak Competition Saudi shorts: Love Letter, Buried Gold, Al Hamra Diaries, and Cats Dreaming in a Foreign Land.
The documentary lineup includes six films, some of which are supported by the Red Sea Fund. These films showcase directorial visions and cover narratives about family relationships, political figures, sports, and music. Leading the selection is Hiding Saddam Hussein, which explores the US forces’ search for former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. This documentary highlights Alaa Al-Namq, Hussein’s personal bodyguard, and his crucial role in hiding the president for over 235 days. Filmed over a decade under secrecy, the documentary promises an in-depth look at this extraordinary historical chapter. A Q&A session with director Halkawt Mustafa will further enrich the audience’s understanding of the film’s themes and production challenges.
Amidst cultural shifts in Saudi Arabia, the film Underground delves into the authentic stories of Saudi musical talent, exploring their personal journeys, industry challenges, and the future of music within the Kingdom.
The Gullspång Miracle tells the story of two sisters who buy an apartment in the Swedish town of Gullspång and discover that the saleswoman resembles their deceased sister. This documentary evolves from a mysterious tale into a challenging family drama. Iraq’s Invisible Beauty follows Iraqi photographer Latif Al-Ani, who documented Iraq’s modern history through his lens, tracing his journey in recovering his memories and photographs.
Through a personal narrative, The Mother of All Lies follows a young Moroccan woman’s search for truth amidst lies related to her family history. Filmmaker Asmae merges her own history with that of her country, reflecting on the 1981 Bread Revolution and its modern implications.
Songs of the Sufi takes viewers on a musical journey through the history of “Qawwali,” a traditional Sufi music genre from the Indian subcontinent. The film features insights from prominent directors and musicians on this ancient art.
Now in its third year, this programme aims to cultivate a thriving independent, homegrown film scene in Saudi Arabia, fostering a passion for critical reflection and artistic exploration. The Red Sea Documentary Film Days event offers film enthusiasts and cinema lovers an opportunity to experience captivating storytelling, engage with filmmakers, and connect with industry experts.
