The Red Sea International Film Festival has opened its fifth edition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“This festival is really exciting because of how big it’s become just in the last five years,” Baker said. “It’s rare that I see a festival just exploding in terms of importance and impact on world cinema.
” The festival opens with “Giant,” a true story of legendary British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed. The film stars Egyptian-British actor Amir El-Masry as Hamed andas his Irish trainer, Brendan Ingle, and is directed by British filmmaker Rowan Athale. “It was probably one of the hardest roles I’ve ever done,” El-Masry said, noting that his preparation involved four and a half weeks of training, during which he lost about eight kilos. “It’s been a passion project for me for a long time,” said Athale. “I come from a similar neighborhood — actually within a few miles of Naz. He was a hero of mine growing up, particularly being multiracial in the region. I’ve always wanted to make a film about him. So it’s a privilege to make it.” Reflecting on the premiere, he added, “To have it as the opening night film here — I mean, look at this. I’ve never seen anything like this. Not at Cannes, not anywhere. It’s daunting, it’s terrifying, but it’s an honor.” The opening night drew a wide range of international stars, including Hollywood and Bollywood figures including Adrien Brody, Sir Michael Caine, Vin Diesel and Ana de Armas walking the red carpet., also attending the festival, said the gathering reflects the unifying power of cinema. “This celebration at the Red Sea Film Festival is really about celebrating film,” he said. The Red Sea International Film Festival was founded by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation. It is funded by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund sovereign wealth fund and private sponsors. It aims to play a vital role in promoting regional filmmakers and fostering global connections. The festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which include diversifying the economy, strengthening cultural infrastructure and fostering local creative talent. The event comes as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in sectors like film, gaming and sports as part of its broader transformation efforts. However, various rights groups have criticized these actions, saying they serve to draw away attention from, including its high rate of executions and restrictions on free expression. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Richard's Swing Makeover Pt. 14: Time to file -- metal, not taxesLocal man shares warning after catching rare bacteria while fishing in St. Johns CountyDonate toys to our annual Channel 4 Toy Drive!▶Voices of the 904 Ep. 7 - The one-man army cooking with a passion to feed the city that raised himCulinary Nunnsense: Richard shares his stew recipe -- perfect for the lower temps in our forecastNassau County community mourns passing of ‘cherished community advocate’St. Johns County sheriff explains what led to deadly deputy-involved shootingByron Chandler Interiors in St. Johns County shares tips on home decor!Final full moon of 2025 expected to be supermoon76-year-old mother killed in Lake City crash adopted two young girls who also died3 bills propose rules to prevent child drownings in Florida. There have already been 112 this year3 bills propose rules to prevent child drownings in Florida. There have already been 112 this yearAnnual Channel 4 Toy Drive tradition returns on Thursday, Dec. 4Typical Florida household needs 17 years to save for a 10% home down payment, study findsSt. Johns County commissioners push for developers to pay for land conservationMother of 18-year-old killed in Burger King shooting shares her grief, along with a messageTracking rain, storms across Northeast Florida and Southeast GeorgiaWe're talking playoffs! What are things looking like for the Jags?Hurricane season 2025 comes to a close on Sunday▶▶Christmas tree lighting at Jacksonville’s Holiday River FestViews from Jacksonville's Holiday River FestMicah Anderson with the dagger!! 🗡️🗡️
Entertainment Adrien Brody Giancarlo Esposito Rowan Athale Sean Baker Vin Diesel Ana De Armas Pierce Brosnan Michael Caine
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Red Sea International Film Festival opens in Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaThe Red Sea International Film Festival has opened its fifth edition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Running from Dec. 4 to 13, the festival showcases over 100 films from more than 70 countries. The prestigious “Red Sea: Competition” features 16 narrative films, animations, and documentaries from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa.
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