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The Red Sea Film Foundation has unveiled the second edition of Cinema Nights, a thoughtfully curated series of public film screenings in partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. This initiative, part of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, will take place at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah from February 6 to May 22, showcasing a rich selection of 23 films from both Saudi Arabia and around the globe.

 

Every Thursday during the Biennale, Cinema Nights will feature a blend of Arab and international films, with special appearances by filmmakers and actors for engaging Q&A sessions. The program will also include a Saudi Shorts Weekend, dedicated to showcasing local narratives, and a Food Symposium Day, celebrating films that focus on culinary themes.

 

This ongoing collaboration between the Red Sea Film Foundation and the Diriyah Biennale Foundation underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing cinematic dialogue and providing immersive cultural experiences. The initiative aims to captivate audiences with compelling stories while offering a unique artistic lens.

 

The series will kick off on February 6 with Saify, a Saudi film directed by Wael Abumansour, which previously competed at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival. The narrative follows a middle-aged man who clings to the dream of quick wealth despite his limited means, struggling to keep his small cassette shop afloat, where he sells banned religious sermons. The film features performances by Osama Alqess, Aixa Kay, Baraa Alem, and Nour Alkhadra.

 

The program will conclude on May 22 with Snow White, directed by Egyptian filmmaker Taghrid Abouelhassan. This film delves into themes of marriage, disability, and sisterhood, with Mariam Sherif delivering a remarkable performance as Iman, a Little Person aspiring to find true love, only to confront unforeseen challenges when her desires conflict with those of her sister.

 

This year’s lineup also highlights the rising prominence of Saudi cinema, with four Saudi short films receiving accolades from both audiences and critics. Additionally, the Emirati short film Children of Barzagh, which garnered a Special Jury Mention, further emphasizes the creative storytelling emerging from the Gulf region. The recognition of these films illustrates the growing impact of regional filmmakers, whose engaging narratives resonate both locally and internationally.

 

Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, stated: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, showcasing a new lineup of exceptional storytelling from across the region. Through our collaboration, we aim to cultivate and sustain a creative ecosystem that champions storytelling and creativity while fostering connections between cultures, communities, and perspectives.”

 

Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programmes & Film Classics for the Red Sea International Film Festival, added: “With the theme ‘And all that is in between,’ the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale will explore the multifaceted nature of faith. We wanted to present a film program that reflects the aspirations and concerns of filmmakers, as well as their vision—a program that will undoubtedly resonate with the audience. The theme ‘And all that is in between’ aptly connects to the films selected, exploring essential themes such as heritage, identity, respect for diversity, family, and the quest for self-understanding—expressed and celebrated through emotion, thought, and creativity.”

Persons

Osama Alqess, Aixa Kay, Baraa Alem, Nour Alkhadra, Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Antoine Khalife, Taghrid Abouelhassan, Mariam Sherif, Wael Abumansour

Company Names

Red Sea Film Foundation, Diriyah Biennale Foundation

Titles

Cinema Nights, Saify, Snow White, Children of Barzagh, All That’s Left of You, Dead Dog

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