The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has announced an illustrious lineup of speakers for its fourth edition, set to run from December 5 to 14, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This year’s festival promises to captivate cinema enthusiasts with its In Conversation With and Souk Talents programs, featuring globally renowned filmmakers, actors, and industry trailblazers.
For the first time, the In Conversation With talks will be held at the new Cultural Square headquarters of the Red Sea Film Foundation in Al Balad, offering attendees an intimate space to engage with cinematic icons as they share their stories, inspirations, and creative journeys.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The 2024 lineup includes a mix of global cinema legends and contemporary stars:
- Michael Mann, the visionary filmmaker behind Ferrari.
- Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, megastars of Indian cinema (Buckingham Murders, Animal).
- Eva Longoria, award-winning actor known for her recent work in Only Murders in the Building.
- Andrew Garfield, Oscar-nominated actor (The Social Network, tick, tick…BOOM!) who will be featured in the Souk Talents program.
- Turkish stars Engin Altan Düzyatan (Diriliş: Ertuğrul) and Nurgül Yeşilçay (The Edge of Heaven).
- Acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Samy (Detention Letter).
- Spike Lee, Academy Award-winning filmmaker (BlacKkKlansman), serving as this year’s Head of Jury.
Previously announced guests include Egyptian star Mona Zaki (Flight 404) and Hollywood powerhouse Viola Davis (The Woman King, Fences).
Celebrating Global Cinema in Al Balad
The newly established Cultural Square in Al Balad will serve as a hub for this year’s festival, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance. With its commitment to amplifying voices from across the world, RSIFF continues to position Jeddah as a global center for the arts.
Jomana Al Rashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm:
“This year’s In Conversation With and Souk Talent programs proudly showcase an extraordinary lineup of globally acclaimed speakers. These luminaries, whose exceptional careers span both sides of the camera, have profoundly inspired generations of audiences, storytellers, and cinephiles. It is an honor to provide a platform at our New Home of Film in Al Balad, where they can delve into their artistic journeys, share insights on their most cherished projects, and reveal the inspirations that have shaped their craft.”
More Than Just Conversations
The Souk Talents program, designed to nurture emerging creatives, will spotlight Andrew Garfield, offering aspiring filmmakers and actors an opportunity to learn from one of Hollywood’s most dynamic performers. This initiative underscores RSIFF’s mission to support and elevate the next generation of storytellers.
A Celebration Not to Be Missed
With its stellar lineup and groundbreaking new venue, the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival is set to be a cultural landmark event, uniting fans, cinephiles, and industry insiders in a celebration of the art of filmmaking.
Mark your calendars for December 5–14, 2024, and join the conversation in Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district.
