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Red Sea Film Festival unveils ‘Global Selections’ lineup for fourth edition

The Red Sea International Film Festival has revealed its “Global Selections” lineup for its fourth edition, set to run from Dec. 5 to 14. (Red Sea Film Festival)
The Red Sea International Film Festival has revealed its “Global Selections” lineup for its fourth edition, set to run from Dec. 5 to 14. (Red Sea Film Festival)
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Updated 28 October 2024
Arab News
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Red Sea Film Festival unveils ‘Global Selections’ lineup for fourth edition

Red Sea Film Festival unveils ‘Global Selections’ lineup for fourth edition
  • Focus on underrepresented voices from Europe, Africa, Arab world
  • 12 films ‘transcend’ world borders,’ says the festival’s Kaleem Aftab
Updated 28 October 2024
Arab News
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LONDON: The fourth Red Sea International Film Festival has revealed its “Global Selections” lineup, set to run from Dec. 5 to 14, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

This year features 12 films from around the world, selected by the festival team to showcase diverse storytelling and perspectives.

The “Global Selections” program aims to foster cultural diversity, inspire dialogue and deepen understanding of world cinema.

Designed to celebrate emerging filmmakers, the lineup emphasizes innovative narratives and highlights often-underrepresented voices and themes, the SPA added.

Kaleem Aftab, director of International Programming for the festival, emphasized the program’s focus on varied perspectives and authentic storytelling.

“This year’s selections represent a diverse range of countries and regions, with strong representation from Europe and Africa and a notable presence of films from the Arab world,” he said.

“These films highlight the beauty of cinematic diversity while evoking a sense of familiarity through shared human experiences that transcend geographical boundaries,” he added.

Aftab said the films explore contemporary issues, relationships, and the search for meaning in today’s world.

“The ‘Global Selections’ program showcases distinct directorial visions, including films that have achieved remarkable success at international film festivals,” he added.

Antoine Khalife, director of Arab Programs & Film Classics, said: “This year’s list celebrates profound dialogue between cultures, enriched narratives, and diverse perspectives.”

The films explore themes of resilience, identity and truth, which reflect the festival’s dedication to presenting powerful, thought-provoking stories from across the globe, he added.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Red Sea Film Festival 

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Benedict Cumberbatch shares his love of theater with RSIFF audience

Benedict Cumberbatch shares his love of theater with RSIFF audience
Updated 11 December 2024
SALEH FAREED
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Benedict Cumberbatch shares his love of theater with RSIFF audience

Benedict Cumberbatch shares his love of theater with RSIFF audience
Updated 11 December 2024
SALEH FAREED

JEDDAH

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch was in the spotlight at Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival on Tuesday afternoon, delighting a packed audience with an “In Conversation” session.

Fans crowded the auditorium at Culture Square in Al-Balad as the two-time Academy Award nominee recalled growing up with actor parents and discussed his career.

“My parents are both actors, wherever they go or what they do, I was there with them and I learned from them. My father gave me the push to follow my passion,” he said of Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham.

He later went into depth about his own career, telling anecdotes from the sets of some of his biggest successes including Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” the lauded TV series “Sherlock,” “Star Trek into Darkness,” “The Power of the Dog” and “The Imitation Game.”

“It has been a great journey for me and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “I’m permanently looking for challenges and experiences outside of my own to engage my imagination and craft.”

Cumberbatch has twice been nominated for Academy Awards, the first for 2014’s “The Imitation Game” and the second for “The Power of the Dog” in 2021.

“It’s nice to be nominated, but for me, it’s just about the quality of the work, the value for me is that it brings me into close contact with my collaborators and with the people whose shoulders I’m standing on or have stood on,” he said of the industry recognition.

Cumberbatch has worked in theatre, television, film and radio. Asked if he missed treading the boards, he said: “Oh yes, that’s the real thing. It is where I started my career and theater was my turning point.”

The actor’s other forays into the world of theatre include starring in the UK’s Royal National Theatre’s “After the Dance” (2010) and “Frankenstein” (2011). In 2015, he played William Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre in London.

Cumberbatch also talked about his work as a producer, particularly as an executive producer on “We Live in Time” with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. He connected with its universal themes and humor, he said, adding that “financing and budget structure are very, very difficult to do in this climate.”

He also had words of praise for his “Sherlock” co-star Martin Freeman, who plays the pragmatic Dr. John Watson. The Emmy and BAFTA-winning Freeman is “a funny actor and also a technical artist,” he said. 

Cumberbatch left the stage to prolonged applause and cheers, with some audience members screaming: “We love you!”

Topics: Red Sea International Film Festival 2024

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‘India Night’ celebrates Saudi Indian cinematic ties

‘India Night’ celebrates Saudi Indian cinematic ties
Updated 11 December 2024
Arab News
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‘India Night’ celebrates Saudi Indian cinematic ties

‘India Night’ celebrates Saudi Indian cinematic ties
Updated 11 December 2024
Arab News

JEDDAH: Veteran Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor lauded the rise of Saudi cinema and said Bollywood and the Kingdom’s nascent film industry could benefit from close collaboration at an event in Jeddah hosted by the Consulate General of India as part of its association with the Red Sea International Film Festival.

The “What’s Love Got To Do With It” director, who also directed Hollywood icon Cate Blanchett in her 1998 breakout role in “Elizabeth,” attended the “India Night” event in Saudi Arabia that honored Indian-Saudi partnership in the world of cinema.

Kapoor, director of the International Film Festival of India, is heading a delegation from the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation at the film festival in Jeddah.

The consulate, in partnership with the Indian ministry and national corporation, has set up an “India Pavilion” at the Red Sea Souk area as part of the film festival, which runs until Dec. 14.

At the reception held this week, Consul General of India Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri stated that the potential of collaboration between the two countries is “vast and full of promise.”

“The cultural bond between India and Saudi Arabia has flourished over the years, and cinema, as one of the most powerful mediums of storytelling, has played a significant role in deepening this connection,” an official statement added.

Kapoor also highlighted the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit to be held in New Delhi in early February and invited industry members from Saudi Arabia and beyond to participate.

A curated cultural performance at the reception showcased India’s rich and diverse heritage, with Indian classical and cinematic dances by artists from the Indian community in Jeddah, as well as performances by artists from India who presented popular compositions from Indian cinema.

Members of the diplomatic community, filmmakers, artists, directions and guests from the Red Sea International Film Festival were in attendance.

Topics: Red Sea International Film Festival 2024

Spike Lee sheds light on filmmaking career at Red Sea festival

Spike Lee sheds light on filmmaking career at Red Sea festival
Updated 11 December 2024
Nada Hameed
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Spike Lee sheds light on filmmaking career at Red Sea festival

Spike Lee sheds light on filmmaking career at Red Sea festival
  • New movie starring Denzel Washington expected in 2025
  • Emphasizes being a ‘devotee’ of cinema to be successful
Updated 11 December 2024
Nada Hameed

JEDDAH: On the sixth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival, cinema legend Spike Lee shared insights on storytelling, collaboration, and his enduring love for filmmaking.

Known for his groundbreaking works including “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “BlacKkKlansman,” the five-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker delved into his journey, inspiring aspiring creatives and cinephiles alike.

Lee reflected on his early challenges, emphasizing the importance of opportunity in the crowded industry. “From the very beginning, I wanted to give an opportunity for new talents,” he said.

“This is a very, very tough business. A lot of times, you can be very talented, but if you don’t get a break, you’re really stuck.”

Lee also spoke passionately about the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

“Filmmaking is not a solo act. It’s the collective coming together for one goal — to make films,” he said. “Some people want to be the hero and do it by themselves, but it doesn’t work like that.”

Teaching and creating films, Lee explained, requires dedication.

“Filmmaking is no joke. You have to be a devotee of cinema, like your life depends on it. You can’t cheat. If you’re not serious, you’re making it harder for yourself.”

Lee’s upcoming film is a reimagining of the Akira Kurosawa classic film “High and Low.” The film stars Denzel Washington and will be released in 2025 by A24 and Apple.

Whether directing narrative films or documentaries, Lee highlighted the universal importance of storytelling. “I don’t have to put on another hat. It’s telling the story — a different way to tell a story, but still telling a story,” he explained.

Music is an integral part of his creative process. “Music plays a very important part in my films. The composer’s sound, those sounds, is this element that is very important to how we use music,” he said.

The director has a long history of working with musicians and in addition to his films, TV series, and commercials, he has directed a number of music videos and shorts.

He has worked with artists including Michael Jackson, Prince, Public Enemy, Branford Marsalis, Bruce Hornsby, Miles Davis and Anita Baker.

Drawing from his 30 years in the film industry, Lee critiqued ineffective leadership on set. “Sometimes you see long days because the director doesn’t know what they’re doing. That’s when the crew turns against the director.”

The festival’s stellar lineup of speakers includes Brendan Fraser, Michael Mann, Jeremy Renner, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Topics: Red Sea International Film Festival 2024

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Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week

Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
Updated 10 December 2024
Nada Alturki
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Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week

Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
  • A number of initiatives and foundations from across the globe took home wins for their work in creating transformations across communities through music
  • Brazil’s music scene had a successful night as it took home two awards
Updated 10 December 2024
Nada Alturki

RIYADH: Riyadh Music Week festivities continue in the capital as the fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village.

A number of initiatives and foundations from across the globe took home wins for their work in creating transformations across communities through music.

Hosted by Saudi actor Hakeem Jumuah, the night kicked off with opening remarks by CEO of the Music Commission Paul Pacifico and CEO of Sound Diplomacy Music Events and Education, Luke Jones.

Jones told Arab News: “The Music Cities awards is the world’s leading (platform), and I think recognition of people doing fantastic and important policy work in the development of Music City, strategies, night time economy, and everything else that is needed to make music, entertainment and culture work in an economically viable and sustainable way around the world.

“So in Riyadh, that’s exactly what we are trying to build. It’s a real privilege and a pleasure for us to host this important award ceremony as we build our city with these important tenets in mind.”

With over 300 applications from 19 countries across six continents, this year’s competition highlights the vital role that music plays in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of cities.

To the nominees and applicants this year, he said: “Your innovative projects and unwavering commitment to using music for the greater good are an inspiration to us all.

“It enriches communities, fosters creativity, and reminds us of music’s profound ability to connect. We encourage all of you to continue applying for the awards. It’s not just a competition, it is a growing database of inspiration and celebration of what is possible when using becomes a tool for transformation.”

The selection process was led by a high level global jury of 10 experts who work at the forefront of music and city development, including Helen Glengarry, music industry lead of the City of Gold Coast, Australia; Khadija El-Bennaoui, head of performing arts at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi; Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, GRAMMY Award-winning engineer, producer, composer, and owner of Royal Studios; and Nada Alhelabi, the general manager of MDLBEAST Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

Brazil’s music scene had a successful night as it took home two awards. The city of Salvador, which was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music due to its rich Afro-Brazilian cultural influences, won Best Global Music City, while The Brazilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation took the category for best initiative to support music education and career development.

Australian entities also took home big wins. Queensland Music Festival was named the Best Music Tourism Initiative for its flagship Queensland Music Trails, while Music Victoria, a prominent organization known for its advocacy, research, and professional development within the music industry, won Best Organization Or Individual Supporting Music In The City.

Best Initiative to Support Diversity and Inclusion in Music went to the Miami Music Project, Inc., while Central Florida Community Arts won Best Initiative Using Music to Improve Health and Wellbeing.

The French Bye Bye Plastic Foundation, a women-led grassroots nonprofit focused on eliminating single-use plastics in the music industry, won Best Initiative Using Music to Support Environmental Sustainability; The Best Initiative Using Music for Economic, Social or Community Development went to the Viña del Mar International Song Festival; and Best Night-Time Economy Initiative was won by Bristol Nights, a partnership project initiated by Bristol City Council to support the city’s nightlife and those working from 6 pm to 6 a.m.

Located in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada, Main Stage Rehearsal Studios won the title for Best Use of Music in Real Estate or City Planning, while the Best Digital Innovation to Support Musicians or Music in Cities went to Opulous, which has developed products that transform how users engage with the music industry.

The award show started the two-day Music Cities Convention, held Dec. 9-10, including a number of panels and workshops dedicated to discussing what it takes to create a solid foundation for a thriving music industry.

The festivities were organized by Music Cities Events, which is part of sound diplomacy events and education.

“This event is a rare opportunity for policies to be put on stages, alongside events like Soundstorm festival and XP, to give policy its rightful focus as the underpinning of everything else that we need to happen to have creative careers and successful environments,” said Pacifico.

Topics: Riyadh Music Week Music Cities Awards Saudi music commission

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Ukrainian sci-fi film explores love and loneliness at RSIFF

Ukrainian sci-fi film explores love and loneliness at RSIFF
Updated 10 December 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar
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Ukrainian sci-fi film explores love and loneliness at RSIFF

Ukrainian sci-fi film explores love and loneliness at RSIFF
Updated 10 December 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar

JEDDAH: Conceived more than a decade ago but written and shot during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Pavlo Ostrikov’s debut film, “U Are the Universe,” is a poignant look at love and loneliness seen through a sci-fi lens.

Screening as part of the Red Sea International Film Festival’s “Favorites” section, “U Are The Universe” is a dramedy that tells the story of space trucker Andriy. When his home planet explodes while he’s dumping radioactive waste on one of Jupiter’s moons, he becomes the last human alive.

With only a wise-cracking robot for company, Andriy believes he’s doomed to a life alone — until the voice of a Frenchwoman reaches him from a distant space station.

“It’s not like it was my goal, but somehow all my films turn out to be about loneliness and love,” said Ukrainian filmmaker Ostrikov in an interview with Arab News.

“Maybe love is an answer for loneliness. If you feel alone, you need to find somebody in this universe. So, it wasn’t my intentional approach. But, of course, it’s an important topic for me, and when I watched my films after finishing, I saw this really clearly, that it’s a really important theme and topic. I don’t know why, because I have family, I have friends, but this feeling, it’s so deep. And I saw many, many people suffer with loneliness, and it’s a real problem in our life.”

“U Are the Universe” came into being while Ostrikov was studying law at university. He decided to write and perform a play to raise his fellow students’ spirits, with the first iteration being 15 minutes of slapstick comedy.

Years later, when he decided to make his own feature film, the story came back to him. Armed with a bunch of astrophysics books and a love of sci-fi cinema, Ostrikov decided to tell a deeper story about the human condition.

“I guess you couldn’t make a sci-fi movie without mention of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ by Stanley Kubrick. It is (a) game-changing film, and it was made so good,” he said. “Even now, if you watch this film, you feel like it’s a journey to space. So that’s why we made some homage to Stanley Kubrick. Also, I like ‘Interstellar’ by Christopher Nolan, because I like his scientific approach, and also it’s not like a goofy sci-fi.”

The film was made with a mix of computer-generated imagery and practical effects.

“If (I) do another sci-fi movie, I will do more practical effects, because it’s more reliable. I guess with practical effects it’s not easy, but you see the film on the set, not in the studio after shooting.”

Topics: Red Sea International Film Festival 2024

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