As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I find myself captivated by the grandeur and diversity of the Red Sea Film Festival. The fourth edition of this prestigious event, held in Saudi Arabia, has managed to attract some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond, including Vin Diesel, Emily Blunt, Spike Lee, and Michelle Rodriguez.
The fourth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia began on Thursday night, showcasing the world debut of Karim Shenawi’s Egyptian drama “The Tale of Daye’s Family.” A star-studded red carpet event took place, attended by celebrities such as Will Smith, Emily Blunt, Cynthia Erivo, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria, Michelle Yeoh, Minnie Driver, Michael Douglas, and Vin Diesel. The latter was honored with the festival’s “Iconic Characters Award.
After an affectionate introduction by her long-term creative partner Michelle Rodriguez, Diesel confidently stepped onto the stage. Rodriguez praised their shared history, stating that they had often found themselves in discussions advocating for storytelling that reflects our diverse skin tones, the gritty allure of the streets, and individuals who don’t conform to societal norms.
The event, delayed by more than an hour and a half before the prominent attendees found their places, additionally included accolades for exceptional careers bestowed upon Emily Blunt, Aamir Khan from India, and Egypt’s Mona Zaki.
2021’s festival theme, “Home,” signifies its return to its roots at Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jeddah’s historic center. The fresh location for the Red Sea Film Festival is a custom-made facility, modeled after traditional local architecture, and designed with the aim of serving as a hub for film-related activities all year round.
Jomana Al Rashid, head of the Red Sea Film Foundation, expressed her admiration for Al-Balad’s rich past, stating that she and her colleagues were inspired by its heritage and humbled by its history. Regarding the new festival venue, Al Rashid described it as a place where a fresh film is blossoming, nurturing a global film culture for all. The chairwoman further highlighted this significant year for the foundation, marked by Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters” receiving an Oscar nomination and the debut of Saudi Arabia’s first Cannes Film Festival entry, titled “Norah.
Head of the jury Spike Lee arrived early at the red carpet, where he briefly mentioned having just wrapped post-production on “Highest to Lowest,” a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low.” Lee said he is aiming to have the film out in early summer and went on to highlight how thrilled he is about his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington, calling the actor “one of the greatest filmmakers ever.” The director also said he hopes Washington lands an Oscar nomination for his recent role in Ridley Scott’s epic “Gladiator II.”
Regarding his position as jury head, Lee fondly reminisced about receiving a unique permit to film scenes for “Malcolm X” in the sacred city of Mecca, despite not being Muslim. He noted that being at this festival makes him realize that “Hollywood has its limitations.” In closing, he expressed, “This is where we’ll witness the future of cinema.
This year’s festival kicks off with a collaborative production between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, titled “The Tale of Daye’s Family.” This film narrates the journey of an 11-year-old Nubian albino boy who ventures to Cairo to take part in an Egyptian version of “The Voice.” Among the numerous Saudi-related films at this event, “The Tale of Daye’s Family” joins others such as “Hobal,” “Saify,” “Lail Nahar,” and “My Driver and I.
The Red Sea Film Festival runs between Dec. 5-14.
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2024-12-05 23:16