The segments unveils a spectrum of unique cinematic works highlighting creative perspectives from Arab and international talent.
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has announced its lineup for the fourth edition of its New Vision and Series strands. This year marks the first time Saudi works have been selected in New Vision, underscoring the vibrant evolution of local and regional cinema, while the Series strand highlights exciting new voices from the small screen with four new international television shows.
Saudi voices take centre stage this year alongside a diverse selection of international films and series, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance while highlighting global creativity and innovation. Four out of the five films spotlighted in the Red Sea: New Vision strand are Saudi, celebrating exceptional talent and creativity while offering audiences a captivating glimpse into diverse cultures.
The Saudi feature AlRoshan by director Mohammed Ous, celebrates the cherished artistic legacy of Roshans, wooden facades that are architectural landmarks in Makkah, Jeddah, and Medina. In When The Light Shines, Ryan Al Bishri documents the Layan Cultural Foundation’s mission of preserving Saudi Arabia’s heritage for future generations. Another standout selection that showcases an inspiring journey is Othman in the Vatican directed Yasir Bin Ghanem that highlights the universal language of art. Tales from further across the Arab world bring forth Areeb Zuaiter’s Yalla Parkour, a documentary that
leaps between nostalgia and ambition as parkour becomes a metaphor for resilience.
Speaking at the lineup reveal, Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes and Film Classics, said: “Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene pulses through the heart of several films, capturing the energy, creativity, and ambition of its artists. With brushstrokes of passion and sculptures of bold vision, Saudi directors bring to life the stories of painters, sculptors, and other creatives who have shaped the country’s artistic landscape, inviting us to see the world through their eyes. We hold a special affection for the New Vision section, which celebrates groundbreaking directors whose films dance between documentary and fiction. These films delve into real lives with a human touch, offering fresh and thought-provoking perspectives.”
This year brings an exciting lineup of new voices from the small screen, highlighted by four new international television shows to preview in Red Sea Series. With a focus on diverse genres, including horror and adventure, it highlights the global impact of television narratives.
Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming for the Red Sea International Film Festival, said:
“The selection this year highlights how television is a great long form way to tell histories and relay episodic stories. Just as is happening with cinematic works, television is also embracing all formats and genres, especially horror. It’s an audience led revolution in storytelling and this year’s selection has exciting documentaries, ghost stories and swashbuckling adventures.”
Films selected for Red Sea: New Vision include AlRoshan directed by Mohammed Ous, Kemokazi directed by Abdulrahman Batawie, Othman in the Vatican directed by Yasir Bin Ghanem, When The Light Shines directed by Ryan Al Bishri, and Yalla Parkour directed by Areeb Zuaiter.
The television Shows Selected For Red Sea: Series include Ghost Train Directed by Se-Woong Tak, Lost Worlds with Bettany Hughes: The Nabataeans directed by Jim Greayer, Tales On Banks Of The Bosphorus directed by Zeina Sfeir, idea & research by Bissan Tay, and Zorro directed by Jean Baptiste Saurel.
