RED SEA FILM FOUNDATION AND DIRIYAH BIENNALE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE SECOND EDITION OF 'CINEMA NIGHTS' AT ISLAMIC ARTS BIENNALE 2025
The Red Sea Film Foundation announces the second edition of 'Cinema Nights', a curated series of public screenings presented in partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation as part of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025. Held as part of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah (January 25 – May 25), the screenings will run every Thursday from February 6 to May 22, featuring a diverse selection of 23 Saudi and international films, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience within the Biennale's dynamic cultural program.
This year's 'Cinema Nights' include a diverse lineup of Arab and international films showing every Thursday from February 6 to May 22; special appearances by filmmakers and actors for Q&A sessions; a Saudi Shorts Weekend celebrating local storytelling; and a food symposium day, celebrating films with food as their central theme.
The ongoing partnership between The Red Sea Film Foundation and Diriyah Biennale Foundation illustrates the combined efforts of Kingdom's foremost cultural institutions to enrich the cinematic and cultural landscape by providing a platform for dialogue and offering a unique opportunity for art and culture enthusiasts to dive into captivating narrative worlds and explore unique cinematic horizons.
'Cinema Nights' launches on February 6th with a screening of the Saudi Film Saify, which was directed by Wael Abumansour and which screened in Competition at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival. The story revolves around a man in his 40s clinging to the dream of quick wealth, despite his poor skills, by holding on to his small cassette shop which sells banned religious sermons. The cast features Osama Alqess, Aixa Kay, Baraa Alem and Nour Alkhadra.
The screenings will conclude on May 22 with a showing of Snow White by the Egyptian director Taghrid Abouelhassan. 'Snow White' is a light-hearted, fascinating mix of issues around marriage, disability and sisterhood, with a magnetic star performance by Mariam Sherif as Iman, a Little Person who stands 119 centimeters tall. Iman dreams of finding true love – but complications arise when her dream collides with that of her sister.
This year, four Saudi short films captivated audiences and critics alike, highlighting the depth and diversity of Saudi Arabia's flourishing film scene. In addition, an Emirati short film 'CHILDREN OF BARZAGH', which received a Special Jury Mention, further emphasized the dynamic storytelling emerging from the Gulf. The recognition of these five films reflects the growing impact of regional cinema, with filmmakers offering compelling narratives that resonate with local and international audiences.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Red Sea Film Foundation Managing Director, said: 'We are proud to continue our partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, and showcase a new roster of outstanding storytelling from across region. Through our partnership we aim to build and sustain a creative ecosystems that not only champions storytelling and creativity but also builds bridges between cultures, peoples and points of view.'
Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programs & Film Classics for the Red Sea International Film Festival, said: 'With the title 'And all that is in between,' the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale will explore how faith is experienced. We wanted to meet the public of the Biennale with a program of films that reflects the aspirations of the filmmakers, their concerns, and of course, their vision—a program that will certainly not leave the public indifferent. 'And all that is in between' is the theme of the Biennale, and the earth is a theme aptly explored in the films programmed—the mother earth of all civilizations. Thus, we are faced with such essential themes: heritage, identity, respect for difference, family, and the search for oneself—expressed and celebrated through feeling, thinking, and making.'
About The Red Sea Film Foundation:
The Red Sea Film Foundation is a rapidly emerging force in the global film industry. As an independent, non-profit organization, it fosters the film sector in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa. Its initiatives are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia's plans for nurturing film and culture, emphasizing the pillars of a vibrant society and a thriving cultural scene. Leading the charge on the cultural and cinematic front, the Red Sea Film Foundation is transforming Saudi Arabia into a prominent global hub for film and a platform for storytellers. The Red Sea Film Foundation's flagship initiatives—the Red Sea Fund, Red Sea Labs, the Red Sea Souk, and the Red Sea International Film Festival—aim to champion and support filmmakers in bringing their visions to life and presenting their films on a global stage.
About Diriyah Biennale Foundation:
Established in 2020 and inspired by the changes taking place in Saudi Arabia, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation assumes a critical role in nurturing creative expression and instilling an appreciation for culture and the arts and their transformative potential. By producing two Biennales in alternating years: the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale at the JAX district in the historic town of Diriyah, and the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, the Foundation aspires to be a catalyst for lifelong learning offering local and international audiences the opportunity to engage with the burgeoning local art scene. At this historical moment of evolution and growth in Saudi Arabia, its Biennales showcase some of the world's leading artists, drive cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and international communities, promote dialogue and understanding, and further establish Saudi Arabia as an important cultural center.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
5 hours ago
- CairoScene
‘Memento' to Screen in Saudi Cinemas For the First Time
Marking its 25th anniversary, 'Memento' will also return to theatres across the MENA region. 'Memento', the cult psychological thriller that launched Christopher Nolan's career, is set to hit Saudi cinemas for the first time starting June 19th. Distributed by Front Row Filmed Entertainment, the re-release brings the iconic non-linear film to the big screen across the Middle East and North Africa in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The film's theatrical debut in Saudi Arabia follows a string of successful Nolan re-releases in the region, including 'Interstellar' and 'Inception'. In addition to Saudi Arabia, 'Memento' will screen in theatres across the UAE, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.
CairoScene
21 hours ago
- CairoScene
Acclaimed Saudi Film ‘Hobal' Now Streaming on Shahid
Blending stark desert visuals with tightly wound family drama, 'Hobal' is the latest Saudi feature to land on Shahid, adding to the growing wave of locally made psychological thrillers. Saudi feature film 'Hobal' is now streaming on Shahid, bringing director Abdulaziz Alshlahei's latest psychological drama to audiences across the region. Set against the desolate expanse of the Saudi desert, the film centres on a Bedouin family whose strict isolation is upended by the arrival of a fugitive stranger. The film stars Mila Al Zahrani, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi and Fayez Bin Jurays, amongst others, with a screenplay written by Mufarrej Al-Majfel. As the family's fragile routine begins to unravel, 'Hobal' dives deep into the tensions of patriarchal power, generational control, and the psychological toll of solitude. The eldest son, left to lead in his father's absence, becomes a focal point for these shifting dynamics, navigating loyalty, authority, and threat in equal measure. Shot largely in AlUla, 'Hobal' originally premiered at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival, where it drew praise for its slow-burn suspense and sharply drawn characters. The film's release on Shahid marks its first wide streaming availability since its festival debut, as part of a broader push by MBC Studios to spotlight emerging Saudi storytellers on regional platforms.
Egypt Independent
2 days ago
- Egypt Independent
Humanity and Honesty
Lord Francis resides in a beautiful estate about an hour outside central London. Each year, he invites me to a very special dinner where he gathers guests from literally around the world. Last year his dining table hosted 36 guests and although I didn't count this time, it must have been a similar number, if not more. It is a black-tie event and even though I am not fond of those I complied each year and arrived at 6:30 pm on the dot, as per the invitation. After being welcomed by Lord Francis, who inquired about my family and Egypt, and following a 45 minute reception where I mixed with many of the guests, we were then led to the dining hall. The sight of it never ceases to amaze me, with its sheer size, high ceiling, and intricately detailed walls featuring his ancestor's portraits alongside a dozen Rembrandts, Caravaggios and Gérômes, plus a huge Deutsch depicting the Egyptian 'mahmal' going to Saudi Arabia. Lord Francis had been to Saudi, Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait on multiple occasions and also had a home in Morocco that he would visit frequently with his extended family. My seat at the dinner was between Jeff Randall, an American asset management firm owner and Elizabeth Sanderson, an Australian Senator. Facing me was Osman Sakur, a Turkish industrialist. Dinner was was beautifully choreographed, served by at least 40 servers with at least two orchestra conductor-type leaders impressively managing the servers incoming and outgoing. The menu was brimming with options, and I chose salmon to start of, followed by a grilled Dover sole and steamed vegetables, and finishing with a mouth-watering chocolate fondue. Conversation during dinner was light and entertaining. At the end of dinner, Lord Francis gave an amazing recognition of all his guests in a light but insightful manner. The group include: Rose, a Belgian author and academic Ramadan, an advisor to the Emir of Qatar Ezra, an Israeli media CEO Alex, a Russian energy billionaire Soliman, a Saudi investor David, an American journalist Penny, a Singaporean hotel owner Yulia, a Ukrainian model and agency owner in Paris Giuseppe, an Italian politician Andreas, an Argentinian IT entrepreneur Yuanyun, a Chinese EV company owner Patrice, a South African mine owner Rahul, an Indian data center owner Reza, a former Azerbaijani Minister of Investment Laila, a Moroccan parliament member Josef, a German industrial defense owner Sandro, a Brazilian crypto leader and former hacker Gloria, a Kenyan real estate owner Ralph, a Canadian aircraft charter owner Cindy, a Swiss heiress Pierre, a French senator I lost track of the guests after Pierre was introduced. Lord Francis thanked us for attending, and as the huge clock in the hallway noisily indicated it was nine pm with nine string gongs, we were invited for coffee, tea, cigars and sage conversation. We walked across the massive hallway to another large hall with an ordained ceiling and heavy wood paneling on the walls, where two imposing marble fireplaces faced each other across the room. Servers appeared with coffee, tea, liqueurs, cognac and cigars. I took a green tea and sat in a large semi-circle of plush sofas and large seats ordained with Lord Francis' crests. As most in the room were regulars, we knew what was to follow. A candid discussion of the state of the world and what we expect to occur in the immediate future. Chatham House rules, careful language, no speeches and precise moderation by Lord Francis were the carefully crafted mannerisms of the after-dinner discussion. Lord Francis turned to Rose and asked her if she could name how many conflicts exist in the world today. Rose's answer, precise to the point, was that as of May 2025, numerous armed conflicts were ongoing worldwide, impacting millions and contributing to widespread humanitarian crises. The Geneva Academy's Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts (RULAC) project monitors over 110 active armed conflicts involving at least 55 states and more than 70 non-state armed groups. I was taken aback, as many in the room were more or less shocked by the figure of 110. Gloria erupted 'Oh my God!' and David shook his head, commenting that the global population did not have such a figure in their perception. Osman, holding an unlit cigar, stated that, 'The worst conflicts were in Sudan, Palestine-Israel and Ukraine-Russia.' 'Don't forget Myanmar, Ethiopia and Somalia,' Yuanyun added. Reza said, 'Political violence increased by 25 percent globally in 2024 compared to 2023, with one in eight people exposed to conflict and over 250,000 people killed.' Lord Francis turned to Jeff and asked, 'What is the financial cost of these conflicts?' Jeff demurred and admitted he could not provide an answer but that it was in the trillions. Laila stood up and exclaimed, 'It's not only the killing, it's the maiming, the injured, the starvation and destruction that the world does not see…' She took two steps towards a table to place her coffee cup and continued, 'I went to Gaza to receive the body of a Moroccan journalist killed by a shot to the head and could not believe the hell I saw.' Before Lord Francis could take back the mantle of the discussion, Giusippe reflected in a quiet but audible voice, 'We have lost our humanity and our moral compass has become mired in a blind fog.' Lord Francis noted Laila's emotional state and said, 'We all have seen different challenging circumstances, but Laila has seen humanity at its worst.' Laila said, 'I pray you never see children's body parts in the rubble rotting outside a morgue.' I could sense that the conversation was touching a chord amongst most of the group. Josef interjected that the world was a better place during the Cold War. All players knew the rules and played by them. Now it was a free for all and killing, bombing, massacring, injuring and destroying is an everyday sport. 'It must stop,' he finished. As I heard the discussion continue, detailing how tribes in Ethiopia are slaughtering each other, the way Sudan's civil war was fueled by outside players and hearing of Yemen's famine and mass displacement, my mind went to the better days where human beings cooperated to make the world a better place. I remembered how I saw strangers help one another during the 1967 war, how I, standing in pouring rain in Austria, experienced a female driver stopping to drive me to a youth hostel in Vienna. There were no homeless people that I saw in the 70s in major cities, as I see everywhere now. My mind returned to the discussion as Sandro was saying, 'The world is experiencing an unprecedented number of conflicts, which appear increasingly intractable. Violence from conflicts has risen dramatically by over 37 percent from 2023 to the end of 2024. If you want peace,' he added,' go to Iceland, but remember President Trump's words!' Lord Francis turned to David and asked 'how is the US?' Before David could respond, Yulia responded promptly, 'Unstable. President Trump's manner of ruling, opting for rule of the jungle rather than rule of law has created instability internally and globally,' she explained in perfect English, with no accent. David conceded that even though he is a Republican the Trump/Musk duo has created an atmosphere of uncertainty, stress, worry and tension. 'It's amazing,' he mentioned, 'that Trump's shock and awe policies framed in America's Supreme Court's decision to grant President's total immunity for official acts, is the new norm in Washington DC.' Cindy, usually a very quiet observer, said to Lord Francis in her Swiss-German accent, 'As the world is losing its humanity let's not forget in parallel, we are losing our honesty. Fraud,' Cindy gestured, 'has increased in an unprecedented manner globally, driven by technology and evolving tactics used by fraudsters.' Ralph agreed the increase was evident in both the volume of fraud attempts and the financial losses incurred by individuals and businesses. David interjected as he shuffled in his seat, stating that Americans in 2024 were defrauded to the tune of a billion dollars in an abundance of illegitimate schemes. My mind wandered again. I remembered in the 70's and 80's when I concluded successful business transactions based on a handshake, whereas today with a battery of lawyers and auditors you were faced with shocking dishonesty and fraud on multiple levels, regardless of written contracts. The clock in the hallway announced that it was 11pm. Lord Francis stood and we all followed. The next 15 minutes were warm goodbyes and exchange of last minute comments. I saw Lord Francis, expressed my sincere appreciation and found my driver hovering at the entrance. As I was driven home, I was worried that the coming generations will face the complications of increased conflicts, a lack of wise leadership, more dishonesty, enhanced technology, a greater dark web, more complicated crypto tools and AI tools defining a new world with less humanity, and greater difficulty in defining fact and fiction.
