The Red Sea International Film Festival hosted the first ‘Celebration of Women in Cinema’ gala this week in partnership with Vanity Fair and Chopard at the Park Hyatt, Jeddah to celebrate visionary female talent both on and behind the camera from around the world.
At a gala event hosted alongside the second edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, the event brought together working at the heart of the film industry.
The RSIFF continues to support women filmmakers to confront and find solutions to overcome the challenges faced globally. With a robust program in place throughout the year to support Arab, Asian and African women in the film industry to advance the careers of women working in the screen industries, empowering a new generation of talent, creatives, and storytellers.
The RSIFF plays an important role to play in ensuring women’s stories are showcased to as many people as possible and providing a platform to ensure their voices are heard. This year the Festival presents 35 films directed by female filmmakers alongside many masterclasses from some of the most inspiring female names in cinema. At the opening actress, singer, megastar, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and member of the Academy, Yousra was presented with an honouree Award for her incredible contribution to cinema.
Jomana R. Alrashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation said: “We recognize and celebrate the incredible wealth of female creators, storytellers, and filmmakers in pursuit of their craft, sharing their vision, pushing boundaries, and exploring truth with every frame. Since the launch of the Red Sea Foundation in 2019, we have championed women filmmakers supporting their journeys as they blaze their own paths. We have and continue to advocate their efforts to confront and overcome challenges blocking the paths of so many women globally. At our Foundation and Festival, we have introduced programs that address the underrepresentation of women in the film industry. programs that advance and empower a new generation of talent, creatives, and storytellers.”
Mohammed Al Turki; CEO of the RedSeaIFF added: “We have a wealth of women directors and producers in Saudi and the wider region - the numbers are growing as our industry grows. Saudi is home to many untold stories and it’s exciting to see rising talents from the country paving the way, producing incredible films that are finding new audiences both here at home and around the world. We are honored to be joined by such extraordinary talents who continue to inspire us with every film.”
The event was attended by writers, producers, directors, and actors working at the heart of the industry including; Jemima Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Rossy de Palma, Sharon Stone, Michelle Rodrigues, Freida Pinto, Kaouther Ben Hania, Jessica Alba, Kajol, Oliver Stone, Chong Stone, Guy Ritchie, Jacqui Ainsley, Andy Garcia, Luca Guadagnino, Lucas bravo, Nolan Funk, Lucy Hale, Julianne Hough, Maria Pedraza, Alex Gonzalez, Yousra, Elle McPherson, Sara Sampaio, Jasmine Tooks, Hiba Abouk, Nadine Labaki, Jon Kortajarena, Salma Abu Deif, Tara Emad, Karena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Giuseppe Tornatore, Elissa, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, Gurinder Chadha, Lebleba, Luna Maya, Sonam Kapoor, Marina Ruy Barbosa, Mélanie Laurent, Emmanuelle Béart and Andrew Dominick.
The second edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival runs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 1-10, 2022.
