Five diverse documentaries showcase the work of emerging Saudi filmmakers and shine a light on a world of new experiences.
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has announced the lineup for its “New Saudi Cinema, Features” programme, which will present five new documentaries celebrating the creativity and diversity of Saudi filmmaking. The films, Noor, Human Tide, Seven Summits, Beyond the Shifting Sands and Circles of Life, will have their world premieres during the festival’s fifth edition, taking place from December 4 to 13, 2025, in Jeddah’s Al-Balad district.
Together, these works spotlight a new wave of Saudi documentary filmmakers capturing human stories, artistic exploration and the Kingdom’s evolving identity. From the spiritual journey of pilgrims to the artistic and athletic pursuits of individuals breaking boundaries, the selection reflects the vibrancy and depth of contemporary Saudi cinema.
Omar Almuqarri’s Noor offers an intimate portrait of Mohammed Noor, one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic footballers. The film follows Noor’s rise from humble beginnings in Makkah to his celebrated career with Al-Ittihad and the Saudi National Team, including appearances at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. Through his triumphs and challenges, the documentary paints a moving picture of perseverance and legacy.
In Human Tide, directed by David Ward, viewers embark on a deeply personal journey alongside seven groups of pilgrims as they undertake Hajj. Among them is a Swedish father-son duo, Yousef and Wasim, who find emotional healing through the sacred experience. The film weaves together multiple perspectives, revealing how faith, unity and introspection transform the lives of millions each year.
Seven Summits, directed by Amir El-Shenawy, chronicles Saudi adventurer Badr Al-Shibani’s quest to climb the tallest mountain on each continent. The film captures his grueling ascent of Mount Everest and his relentless pursuit of purpose and self-discovery, offering an inspiring reflection on courage and endurance.
Abdullah Alhamddi’s Beyond the Shifting Sands blurs the line between the real and the imagined, inviting viewers into the world of artists who explore identity, time and memory through creation. The film meditates on art as both a fleeting and eternal act, a reflection of humanity’s search for meaning within impermanence.
Similarly, Circles of Life, directed by Khaled Al-Dasimani, follows Saudi artists as they navigate transformation through art. Combining poetic visuals and introspective narration, the film portrays art as a living dialogue between memory, dream and identity, mirroring the Kingdom’s broader social and cultural evolution.
Through these five documentaries, RSIFF continues to champion the voices shaping Saudi Arabia’s cinematic future, offering global audiences a window into the country’s artistic spirit, cultural depth and human stories that transcend borders.
In his remarks, Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “The ‘New Saudi Cinema, Features’ program embodies the remarkable progress of documentary filmmaking in Saudi Arabia, where a new wave of filmmakers is shaping stories with authenticity, artistry, and purpose. This year’s selection showcases the depth of Saudi storytelling — from heartfelt human experiences to artistic and athletic achievements that mirror the Kingdom’s ongoing transformation. Saudi filmmakers are not only documenting reality, but redefining it through powerful cinematic language that connects with audiences across cultures and continents.”
