Red Sea International Film Festival 2025: Highlights and interviews with Juliette Binoche, Shigeru Umebayashi, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, and More
The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) recently concluded, transforming Jeddah into a vibrant crossroads for filmmakers and cinephiles from across the globe. Under the theme “For the Love of Cinema”, the festival championed storytelling that resonated deeply, fostering connections and giving a platform to voices often unheard. With an impressive programme of over 302 films screened from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa, the event once again affirmed its commitment to diverse narratives and cinematic innovation.
Indeed, this year, the Red Sea Film Festival proved itself even more to be a kaleidoscope opening into a thousand different stories, finally telling the Arab and Asian world through the voices of its true protagonists. For too long, cinema has narrated the Middle East through the lens of visitors; this festival, instead, serves to give back a voice to those who until now have always had to shout to be heard. It brought us to meet stars who confronted this world with open hearts and were fascinated by it, and to encounter masters who, in their field, have made history.
The Yusr Awards ceremony, held in the historical Al-Balad district, marked a dazzling finale to the festival’s main events. Presided over by a distinguished jury led by Sean Baker, alongside talents like Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed, Naomie Harris, Olga Kurylenko, and Nadine Labaki, the awards recognised outstanding achievements across various categories. The coveted Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film was awarded to Akio Fujimoto for his compelling drama Lost Land, while Ameer Fakher Eldin took home Best Director for Yunan. George Khabbaz (for Yunan) and Seo Su-Bin (for The World of Love) were celebrated as Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
The festival also shone a light on regional talent, with Shahad Ameen’s Hijra winning both the Yusr Jury Prize and the Film AlUla Best Saudi Film Award. The Film AlUla Audience Award went to Mohammad Siam’s My Father’s Scent, and the Golden Yusr Best Short Film was presented to Said Zagha for Coyotes. Additionally, Zhongchen Zhang’s Nighttime Sounds received the prestigious Yusr Cinematic Achievement award, and Juliette Binoche was honoured with the Al Sharq Award for In-I In Motion.
Beyond the accolades, the festival’s spirit was truly embodied in its “In Conversation” series and industry initiatives, which provided invaluable insights and networking opportunities. The Upcoming had the pleasure of sitting down with several filmmakers and talents to delve into their creative processes and the stories behind their films.
We spoke with Abu Bakr Shawky, director of The Stories, who shared how his film, inspired by his parents’ love, blends fact and fiction. He discussed his unique style, which marries grand Egyptian spectacles with 90s sensibilities, and the role of pop culture in reflecting social change.
Director David Ward offered a moving exploration of the Hajj pilgrimage with his film Human Tide. He articulated his ambition to look beyond rituals, focusing instead on the individual motivations and emotional journeys of pilgrims. Ward also spoke of the immense logistical challenges during filming and the trust he built to capture their innermost selves.
Mohammad Siam, director of My Father’s Scent, successfully transitioned to narrative fiction with his film, which earned the Film AlUla Audience Award. He delved into complex father-son dynamics inspired by his late father, detailing his stylistic choices for an emotionally resonant story set in a melancholic Alexandria, conveying a powerful message about understanding vulnerability.
British-Indian director Rowan Athale offered fascinating insights into his film Giant, a biopic of boxer Prince Naseem Hamed. He described his vision to shape it into a “rock and roll story”, highlighting the crucial roles of Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions and Pierce Brosnan’s casting, as well as his intent to represent prejudices faced by Muslims in 1980s Britain.
Legendary film composer Shigeru Umebayashi shared his journey from “rocker” to esteemed film composer, explaining his distinctive approach born from improvisation and instinct. He detailed his characteristic style, which defined iconic soundtracks like In the Mood for Love, and shared a profound insight that true creativity comes from unearthing forgotten memories.
Zhongchen Zhang, director of Nighttime Sounds, shared his unique journey, which culminated in him winning the Yusr Cinematic Achievement award. His film draws from his observations, portraying complex rural Chinese women through social and magical realism. Zhang discussed themes of loss and desire, and spoke emotionally about the unexpected contributions of his former security colleagues.
On the red carpet, we had the pleasure of speaking with acclaimed actress Juliette Binoche, who presented her documentary In-I in Motion. Binoche, who received the Al Sharq Award for her work, shared her experience with dance, emphasising the dedication and will it demands. She passionately spoke about giving voice to diverse realities, particularly from the Middle East and Asia, and stressed cinema’s role in promoting understanding and opening minds.
Director Akio Fujimoto, whose compelling film Lost Land won the festival’s top honour, the Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film, shared the profound sense of responsibility behind his project. Fujimoto revealed how the silence surrounding the Rohingya crisis compelled him to create the first feature film entirely in the Rohingya language, reflecting on the unique challenges and the powerful symbolism of the mango tree within his work.
The festival also honoured cinematic giants like Academy Award winner Darren Aronofsky, filmmaker and musician Idris Elba, the legendary Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Saudi actor and filmmaker Ahd Kamel. On the red carpet, Idris Elba praised the festival for its commitment to “cultural gain” and diverse storytelling, while Sir Anthony Hopkins, receiving a standing ovation, expressed his “gratitude and love for Saudi Arabia.” Darren Aronofsky encouraged young Saudi filmmakers to “tell your own story”, highlighting the vast, untold narratives of the region.
Hopkins then offered a profound reflection during his emotional “In Conversation”. He expressed surprise at his iconic roles, attributing success to something “beyond expectations”, and shared his acting philosophy of accessing human experience within the script.
From shy beginnings to cinematic icon, Sigourney Weaver also shared her unique journey during her session. She discussed the unexpected feminist impact of her role as Ripley in Alien and her transformative experience filming Gorillas in the Mist, which instilled a belief in all living creatures having “equal rights to the earth”.
The Red Sea International Film Festival continues to solidify its position as a dynamic and essential platform for global cinema. By fostering dialogue, celebrating diverse stories, and nurturing emerging talent, it not only enriches the cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia but also contributes significantly to the international film community, ensuring that powerful voices from every corner of the world find their stage.
Laura Della Corte
For more information about the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025, visit here.
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