Joining this year's stellar International Spectacular line-up is Lumière: Le Cinema by Thierry Frémaux, Director of the Lumière Institute in Lyon and General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes.
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has added several new films to its Spectacular and Favourites strands.
Joining this year’s stellar International Spectacular line-up is Lumière: Le Cinema by Thierry Frémaux, Director of the Lumière Institute in Lyon and General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes. This stunning sequel to Lumière! The Adventure Begins, delves into the birth of cinema, offering a treasure trove of over 100 newly restored films. A must-see for cinema lovers, Lumière: Le Cinema will be presented in-person by Frémaux himself, offering audiences an unparalleled journey through the early days of celluloid.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, RSIFF’s Managing Director, said: “We are honoured to host Lumière: Le Cinema at the RSIFF. This film is a vital testament to the foundation of all modern audiovisual content, showcasing the early pioneers who revolutionized visual storytelling. Thierry Frémaux’s insights into cinema history are always invaluable, and we are thrilled to share this with our audiences.”
The other highly anticipated titles in International Spectacular include Napoli – New York, a poignant new work from Academy Award-winning director Gabriele Salvatores, starring Pierfrancesco Favino. Based on a story idea by Federico Fellini, the film tells the story of two children who stow away on a boat bound for New York after World War II. Also featured is 40 Acres by R.T. Thorne, starring Danielle Deadwyler as a determined mother protecting her family from the ravages of climate change. Maria by Pablo Larraín, We Live In Time by John Crowley, and Kraven The Hunter by J.C. Chandor are also included in the International Spectacular section, each offering a unique cinematic experience.
In addition to the International Spectacular programme, RSIFF has added six new Festival Favourites. The Festival Favourites programme celebrates cultural diversity, offering a platform for award-winning films from all corners of the globe. The selection highlights innovative storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and diverse perspectives.
Among the new titles are two black comedies: Dreaming of Lions by Paolo Marinou Blanco, a darkly comic tale of a terminally ill woman’s attempts to end her suffering, and Taste The Revolution by Daniel Klein, a mockumentary featuring an unforgettable performance by Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali as a revolutionary leader challenging capitalism. In addition, two exceptional films from Asia joining the line-up are Crocodile Tears by Indonesian director Tumpal Tampubolon, which explores a young man’s strained relationship with his controlling mother, and Somebody by South Korean directors Yeo-Jung Kim and Jeong-Chan Lee, a psychological thriller about a swimming instructor whose child’s violent tendencies take a dark turn.
Finally, Max Shiskin’s post-apocalyptic action film The Last Ronin will have its world premiere in the Favourites segment. Set in a desolate future ravaged by nuclear war, the film follows a lone warrior escorting a wayward teenage girl across a dangerous wasteland.
The festival also celebrates African cinema with the return of Jean Luc-Herbulot, whose new film Zero is a high-octane action thriller set in Dakar, Senegal. The film follows two Americans who wake up to find bombs strapped to their chests and only ten hours to unravel the mystery of their predicament.
