The films hail from Iraq, Algeria, Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco.
The Red Sea International Film Festival has announced the first eight films that will be part of the ‘Arab Spectacular’ section, which aims to shine a light on the new works premiering across the Arab world.
The line-up of films will be presented alongside red-carpet premieres, workshops, masterclasses, and networking within the industry market the Red Sea Souk, and a packed schedule of events for festival-goers.
The section will cover an array of stories from societies as diverse as Iraq, Palestine, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco.
Speaking about the selection of films, Edouard Waintrop, Artistic Director of RedSeaIFF, said: “To be able to present the variety of Arab filmmakers and stories being told, and to amplify them on an international stage is the primary aim of the Festival. We know that the Arab world is not a monolith, and to see such diversity in the types of stories being told through these films is unique. We are proud to be able to showcase these films that speak to the progress and evolution of our industry, from some prominent Arab names.”
Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes & Film Classics at RedSeaIFF, added: “The stories being told as part of the ‘Arab Spectacular’ strand speak to the most diverse aspects of our society. The directors of these films reconstitute memories and above all redefine Arab identity, trying to find a specific part of the story and revisit it in an authentic way. The stories also give women a voice and bring perspective from both central protagonists and the directors, reassessing and exploring their place in society. Music is also a central theme in this strand, shaping emotional responses and playing an integral role to build the narrative of the family unit which can often be complex yet fascinating.”
Titles within the Arab Spectacular line-up include Recovery by Rashid Masharawi, Dhafer L’Abidine’s feature debut directorial Ghodwa and Golden Bear nominee Memory Box, co-directed and co-written by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, Their Heads Are Green And Their Hands Are Blue by Jay Bulger and Moroccan producer Karim Debbagh, Nabil Ayouch’s Casablanca Beats, Héliopolis by Djaffar Gacem, Take Me to the Cinema, a documentary feature from Iraqi director Albaqer Jaafar and Iraqi director Shawkat Amin Korki’s The Exam.
The inaugural edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will run in Jeddah from December 6-15, 2021.
