The screenings will run every Thursday from February 6 to May 22
The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the second edition of Cinema Nights, a curated series of public film screenings in collaboration with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. As part of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, the screenings will take place at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah from February 6 to May 22, offering audiences a diverse selection of 23 Saudi and international films.
Taking place every Thursday during the Biennale, Cinema Nights will showcase a mix of Arab and global films, featuring special appearances by filmmakers and actors for Q&A sessions. The programme also includes a Saudi Shorts Weekend, dedicated to highlighting local storytelling, and a Food Symposium Day, celebrating films centred around food.
The ongoing partnership between the Red Sea Film Foundation and the Diriyah Biennale Foundation reflects the commitment of Saudi Arabia’s cultural institutions to fostering cinematic dialogue and providing an immersive cultural experience. The initiative aims to engage audiences with compelling narratives while offering a unique artistic perspective.
The series will open on February 6 with Saify, a Saudi film directed by Wael Abumansour, which previously competed at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival. The story follows a middle-aged man clinging to the dream of quick wealth, despite his limited abilities, as he struggles to keep his small cassette shop afloat—selling banned religious sermons. The film stars Osama Alqess, Aixa Kay, Baraa Alem and Nour Alkhadra.
The programme will conclude on May 22 with Snow White, directed by Egyptian filmmaker Taghrid Abouelhassan. The film explores themes of marriage, disability and sisterhood, with Mariam Sherif delivering a standout performance as Iman, a Little Person who dreams of finding true love—only to face unexpected challenges when her desires clash with those of her sister.
This year’s lineup also highlights the growing influence of Saudi cinema, with four Saudi short films earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Additionally, the Emirati short film Children of Barzagh, which received a Special Jury Mention, further emphasises the creative storytelling emerging from the Gulf region. The recognition of these films underscores the increasing impact of regional filmmakers, whose compelling narratives are resonating both locally and internationally.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Red Sea Film Foundation Managing Director, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, and showcase a new roster of outstanding storytelling from across region. Through our partnership we aim to build and sustain a creative ecosystems that not only champions storytelling and creativity but also builds bridges between cultures, peoples and points of view.”
Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes & Film Classics for the Red Sea International Film Festival, added: “With the title ‘And all that is in between,’ the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale will explore how faith is experienced. We wanted to meet the public of the Biennale with a program of films that reflects the aspirations of the filmmakers, their concerns, and of course, their vision—a programme that will certainly not leave the public indifferent. ‘And all that is in between’ is the theme of the Biennale, and the earth is a theme aptly explored in the films programmed—the mother earth of all civilizations. Thus, we are faced with such essential themes: heritage, identity, respect for difference, family, and the search for oneself—expressed and celebrated through feeling, thinking, and making.”
