The films selected for the programme represent Saudi Arabia’s upcoming talent, reflecting the “We Dream, We Achieve” motto of the 93rd Saudi National Day.
The Red Sea International Film Festival has announced the lineup for its “New Saudi, New Cinema: Shorts” programme. The programme celebrates Saudi cinema of all genres, honouring how far the industry has come in the last five years.
These selected films embody the inspiring talent of Saudi Arabia, painting a bright future that aligns with the spirit of the 93rd Saudi National Day theme, “We Dream, We Achieve.” The Red Sea Film Foundation has already supported numerous Saudi filmmakers who have achieved international acclaim. With this screening programme, a fresh wave of talent will be granted a broader platform to shine.
The programme features 19 films with durations ranging from five to 44 minutes, covering a wide array of subjects, from confronting extremism and navigating social change to overcoming personal challenges. These films are all products of Saudi teams, led by Saudi creatives, and many were shot within the Kingdom, highlighting the nation’s landscapes and culture.
Speaking about the selected films, Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “This programme is reflective of our continued commitment to support Saudi filmmaking talent. We want to encourage the dreamers of today to become the filmmakers of tomorrow – the “New Saudi, New Cinema: Shorts” will empower those dreamers.”
Mohyee Qari, who heads up the “New Saudi, New Cinema” programme, added: “The Red Sea International Film Festival strives to be representative of Saudi cinema as it matures and gets stronger with every edition of the festival. We are committed to curating a diverse programme that tells stories from all regions of the Kingdom and are always inspired and impressed by the different stories, new voices, and original cinematography from young Saudi filmmakers.”
The selected films include Khaled Al Sheikh Between Two Fires, Art and Politics, directed by Jamal Koutaiby; The Last Winter, directed by Hayder Dawood; Street 105, directed by Abdulrahman Aljandal; Detour, directed by Dhafer Alshehry; The Ride, directed by Hania Bakhushwain; Fishbowl, directed by Reema Almajed; I’m Fine, directed by Faisal Alzahrani; Fiasco Run, directed by Sultan Rabea; Kum-Kum, directed by Dur Jamjoum; Saleeg, directed by Afnan Bawyan; The Menace from Above, directed by Mariam Khayat; Fishy, directed by Alabbas Hamidaddin; Antidote, directed by Hassan Saeed; The Old School, directed by Abdulla Alkhumais; Art Block, directed by Abdulrahman Batawie; The Last Thread, directed by Jwana Alzahrani; Salem’s Legs, directed by Talal Almusaad; Jameel Alsaeed, directed by Osama Khalifa; and Hadi Aleis, directed by Abdullah Saharti.
Four of these films, Art Block, Salem’s Legs, Jameel Alsaeed, and The Last Thread, were made during the third edition of the 48-Hour Film Challenge, organised by the Red Sea Film Foundation in August 2023.
