Red Sea International Film Festival And Vanity Fair Celebrates Women In Cinema

Vanity Fair Europe honours Egyptian Screen Icon Nabila Ebeid

In celebration of female voices in film, the Red Sea International Film Festival (RedSeaIFF) and Vanity Fair Europe hosted the 5th Women In Cinema Dinner event this evening, shining a light on the achievements of women both on and behind the camera who are helping shape the film industry and inspire a new generation of talent in Saudi Arabia, Africa, and India. This year, Red Sea IFF and Vanity Fair Europe honoured Nabila Ebeid.

Nabila is Egypt’s first screen icon, who has been a part of the country’s robust cinema landscape and a legend of 20th-century Arab cinema. From her debut at 16, and throughout a decades long career she has collaborated with many of Egypt’s leading directors and been an adored star of the region’s films. Ebeid has taken on vast and varied roles ranging from the religious and the historical to the compelling feminist, and socio-political. She has starred in landmark successes like Wa La Yazal Al Tahqiq Mostameran, which won her Best Actress at the Alexandria Film Festival and gave her the first taste of global success and recognition – as well as taking unforgettable roles in Rabi’a Al Adawiyya and Al Raqesa Wal Seyasi.

Jomana Al-Rashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation said: “Tonight is a reminder of the incredible breadth and talent of the women in this industry – from our honouree to the host of talented guests we are proud to host in Jeddah for this celebration of their vision, dynamism, and determination to take up space. The Red Sea Foundation has always been an advocate for the women who drive this industry forward – and from our inception we have consistently championed female filmmakers from Asmae El Moudir to Kaouther Ben Hania.”

Mohammed Al Turki; CEO of the Red Sea IFF commented: “We are very proud to have projects from 38 female directors in this year’s line-up. At the Red Sea Film Festival and our foundation, we wholeheartedly embrace the contributions of both established and emerging Women in Cinema, and we are committed to nurturing their talents and ensuring their lasting impact on the Arab film industry and beyond.”

The event was held at the Shangri-La in Jeddah, and notable guests included Catherine Deneuve, Naomi Campbell, Sofia Vergara, Sharon Stone, Zoe Saldana, Baz Luhrmann, Maïwenn, Ananya Panday, Diane Kruger, Nadine Nijem, Nabila Ebeid, Amy Jackson, Ed Westwick, Michelle Rodriguez, Lucas Bravo, Marco Perego, Michelle Williams, Freida Pinto, Paz Vega, Catherine Martin, Aseel Omran, Sarah Taibah, Sarah Murad, Yasmine Sabri, Katrina Kaif, Ananya and Alessandra Ambrosio.