Directed by Rowan Athale and starring Amir El-Masry, the film will mark its MENA premiere on December 4.
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) has announced that Rowan Athale’s Giant will open its fifth edition as the festival’s Opening Night Gala film. The British-Indian filmmaker’s latest work, which tells the story of British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed, will have its MENA premiere on December 4, 2025.
Giant retraces the extraordinary rise of Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed — portrayed by Egyptian-British actor Amir El Masry — from his modest beginnings in Sheffield to his triumph as a world champion boxer. The film delves into Naz’s transformation from an underdog into one of the sport’s most dazzling showmen, while confronting the racism and Islamophobia that gripped Britain in the 1980s and 1990s. At its heart, the story explores the profound and unlikely bond between Naz and his Irish trainer, Brendan Ingle, whose mentorship proved pivotal to the boxer’s success and self-discovery.
Through its portrayal of courage, ambition and identity, Giant offers a moving tribute to an athlete who defied stereotypes and inspired millions.
Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Our selection of Giant as the opening film of the fifth edition embodies an artistic celebration of regional talents who have established their presence on the global film scene. Through the story of an Arab world champion in boxing, the film portrays a journey of perseverance that inspires generations and reflects pride in identity.highlighting the growing presence of Arab stars in international productions alongside global names, reaffirming that Arab cinema today stands as a powerful force in the global film landscape.”
