Pandya Malhotra announced her departure as CEO of the Red Sea International Film Festival after seven years, sparking discussions about the festival's future direction. The festival, launched in 2021 in Jeddah, has grown into a major event but now faces questions as Saudi Arabia re-evaluates spending priorities amidst regional tensions.
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” said Pandya Malhotra. Although not unexpected, news of Pandya Malhotra’s stepping down will spark conversations across the Middle East and North Africa cinema community and beyond over the future direction of the festival unfolding in December in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.
'The Eddy' Director Laïla Marrakchi, Nigerian Actress-Producer Genevieve Nnaji & Indian Actress-Singer Tara Sutaria Among Honorees For Red Sea Film Foundation's Women In Cinema GalaThe seasoned festival executive brought a decade of experience to bear in the role having previously served as Managing Director of the Dubai International Film Festival and the Gulf Film Festival. Stalled by the pandemic, the inaugural edition took place in Jeddah’s Al-Balad old city neighborhood in 2021 with a make-shift cinema, rudimentary industry hub and a smattering of A-list guests and has since grown into one of the biggest film festivals in the Middle East.
The event was seen as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major international film and TV hub, which in turn was a pole of the country’s 2030 strategy aimed at opening the country up and shifting the economy away from a reliance on oil. However, questions have emerged over the future direction of the festival in recent months as Saudi Arabia reins in spending and shifts its priorities, with fallout from the Iran-U.S. War also hanging over the entire Gulf region.
One element of the festival’s development has been the buying in of A-list Hollywood stars to help put the event on the map internationally. There are questions around the whether the festival will have the budget to continue bankrolling talent invites, while there has been pushback in some quarters on how this serves the local film industry and its organic growth.
Beyond the festival, Pandya Malhotra also contributed to the growth and development of a number of year-round foundation initiatives including the Red Sea Souk, Labs and Fund, which now play a crucial role in the local and regional film business landscape.
“It has been a privilege to be part of the Foundation’s journey from the very beginning and to witness its growth into a globally respected institution,” added Pandya Malhotra. “While I am excited about the next chapter, the Red Sea Film Foundation will always hold a very special place in my heart. ” “Shivani has played an important role in the Foundation’s journey, working alongside a talented team of Saudi and international professionals to help shape its growth.
We thank her for her contributions and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career” said Faisal Baltyour, Chief Executive Officer of the Red Sea Film Foundation. The sixth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival is scheduled to take place from December 3 to December 12, 2026. Paramount+ Lands ‘Cop Land’ Series From James Mangold & Robert LevineComments On Deadline Hollywood are monitored.
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