The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday unveiled the program of films for its Arab Spectacular section, which celebrates “the rich and diverse fabric of Arab storytelling.”
This year's selection “highlights five extraordinary films from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Algeria, reinforcing the festival's commitment to elevating Arab cinematic narratives on a global stage,” organizers said. “Each film in the program offers a unique lens through which audiences can engage with themes of identity, resilience and the complexities of modern life, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's rich narratives and cinematic art.”
The films include the story of a Saudi girl and her Sudanese driver who form a friendship, a look at the life of a Bedouin family in the middle of the desert, and the journey of a couple from rural Egypt who emigrate to New York in search of a house. cure for their infertility.
Antoine Khalife, director of Arabic programs and classic films for the RSIFF, said: “We know that our stories and the quality of the way we tell them deserve a place alongside other international films, which is why we are working hard to supporting and nurturing our filmmakers from the region, providing them with a prestigious platform to present their work to international audiences and facilitating networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Some of Arab Spectacular's films are international co-productions, which highlights “the importance of collaboration in bringing our stories to life,” Khalife said.
Here's a look at the full schedule of this year's Arab Spectular program at RSIFF.
Abdo and Saneya directed by Omar Bakry
United States, Egypt
Seeking a cure for their infertility, a couple from rural Egypt emigrate to New York with no idea of American life. Their love helps them defy impossible odds; Survive the world of homeless renegades and conquer the hellish kitchens of the city's restaurant industry.
Front row directed by Merzak Allouache
Algeria, France, Saudi Arabia
The Bouderbalas arrive early at the beach to sit near the water, in the front row, and enjoy a peaceful day. But nothing will go as planned.
Hobal directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei
Saudi Arabia
A Bedouin family faces their fate isolated in the middle of the desert, under the rigid severity that prohibits them from abandoning it, and the danger of an infectious disease that causes the death of one of its members.
Lail Nahar by Abdulaziz Almuzaini
Saudi Arabia
When a famous opera singer faces backlash after a viral accusation of racism, he surprises the public by announcing plans to marry a black woman, only to fight for a bride and find an unexpected bond with Layl, a singer from weddings, on a journey that blurs the lines between love, redemption and music.
Me and my driver directed by Ahd Kamel
Saudi Arabia
In 1980s and 1990s Jeddah, a Saudi girl and her Sudanese driver form an unlikely friendship that is put to the test when she starts getting behind the wheel.