Book Your Flight: Red Sea Film Festival Lands In Jeddah

by Dara Morgan

Book Your Flight: Red Sea Film Festival Lands In Jeddah

4 Dec 2024

Good week for all cinephiles in the MENA region — Saudi Arabia is hosting the fourth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival. Not only is this a perfect excuse to pack your bags and explore Jeddah’s Old Town, Al Balad, but it is also a golden chance to catch over 120 movies from 81 countries.

The festival blends local artistry with international premieres, setting itself up as the region’s cinematic crown jewel. With big names like Spike Lee (this year’s Jury President), Viola Davis (if you can snag a ticket to her sold-out session, you are a wizard), Emily Blunt, and Ranbir Kapoor sharing their thoughts during In Conversation sessions, this year promises to be unforgettable. Check out our editorial picks below (this wasn't a simple choice, believe me) — or feel free to find what you like on the festival's website.

The Tale of Daye’s Family

Egypt

December 5–6

Start your cinematic journey with the opening film of the festival, which tells a moving tale of Daye, an 14-year-old Nubian albino boy with a golden voice who dreams of following his idol, Mohamed Mounir. As Daye navigates a world that often overlooks him, his determination and charm bring light to a community steeped in tradition. This film sets the tone for the festival: heartfelt, rich, and unmissable.

Maria

Italy/Germany/USA

December 8–9

A Pablo Larraín creation in the "International Spectacular" section is as big as it sounds. We witness the great opera singer Maria Callas in her final days, haunted by memories of her relationship with Aristotle Onassis and her challenging childhood in wartime Athens. Angelina Jolie’s powerful performance reveals Callas’s inner turmoil and the sacrifices behind her legendary voice, offering a bit look at the cost of fame and artistry.

Songs of Adam

Iraq/Netherlands

December 10–11, 13

In a quiet Mesopotamian village, young Adam decides to stop time — a decision that alters the lives of everyone around him. This magical realist tale beautifully explores love, loss, and the passage of time, as Adam’s refusal to age causes both wonder and fear. His family and community wrestle with his condition, with only his brother and two close friends understanding its true meaning.

To Kill a Mongolian Horse

Malaysia/Hong Kong/USA/South Korea/Japan/Thailand

December 7, 9, 13

In the majestic Mongolian grasslands, Saina balances his love for traditional herding with the harsh realities of modern life. Performing daring stunts to clear family debts, he clings to his roots in a world threatened by climate change and industrial greed. A visually stunning and deeply moving story about heritage, resilience, and the bond between man and nature.

Snow White

Egypt

December 9–10, 14

Iman, a Little Person with a big personality, navigates the complexities of life, love, and marriage in a society with rigid expectations. When her sister’s marriage hits a snag, Iman’s wit and determination shine through, challenging norms and expectations. A heartwarming yet thought-provoking exploration of disability, family, and the quest for true love, with a standout performance by Mariam Sherif at its core.

Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness

United Kingdom/Hungary/Italy

December 12

Johnny Depp’s second directorial effort takes us into the chaotic life of famed Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Set in 1916 Paris, Modi captures three days of art, addiction, and failed opportunities. The film explores the bohemian lifestyle of Modigliani and his friends, with a standout cameo by Al Pacino. Depp brings energy and drama to this surreal, chaotic portrayal of a man whose brilliance was only recognised after his untimely death.

Moon

Austria

December 11–12, 14

Sarah, a former mixed martial arts champion, accepts an offer to train three sisters in Jordan. What seems like a dream job quickly unravels into a psychological thriller as Sarah uncovers the dark secrets of their gilded cage. The sisters live isolated lives in a mansion, controlled by their family’s wealth and strict rules. Moon weaves suspense and stunning visuals into a tense narrative about freedom, control, and hidden secrets.

To A Land Unknown

United Kingdom/Palestine/France/Greece/Netherlands/Germany/Qatar/Saudi Arabia

December 6–7

Two Palestinian cousins, stuck in Athens without money or proper papers, struggle to survive by scamming others and committing petty crimes. When they meet a boy promising a way to reach Italy, their desperate situation seems to offer a glimmer of hope. A stark, emotional portrayal of refugees fighting to survive, To A Land Unknown blends documentary-style realism with fiction to create a moving story of survival, friendship, and the search for a better life.

by Dara Morgan