Red Sea International Film Festival

Red Sea International Film festival was initiated in 2019 as a measure to resuscitate Saudi cinema. The Festival mainly focuses on the new trends in storytelling, along with new Saudi talents. This festival acts as a platform for new and seasoned film makers to screen a range of diverse films such as feature films, documentaries and short films. The festival is managed and operated by the Red Sea Film Festival foundation, a Saudi Arabian registered non-profit cultural foundation. With an emphasis on Arab, African, and Asian film, the Red Sea International Film Festival seeks to encourage storytelling, cultural exchange, and innovation in cinema while establishing Saudi Arabia as a world center for the film industry.

How to get there

• By Air: Fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, from there take a taxi to reach Al Balad.
• By Taxi: Take a taxi from the airport. It takes 30-40 minutes to reach Al Balad.
• By Ferry: If you are traveling from Sudan or Egypt you can take a ferry to Jeddah Islamic Port and take a taxi (15-20 minutes) to reach Al Balad.

Timings and tickets

• Opening hours: There is no specific timings, it depends on the events.
• Entry Fee: It offers various ticket options to accommodate different preferences.

Things to do

• Film Screenings: Watch world premieres, regional premieres and international films from different genres such as drama, action, animation and documentaries.
• Join Red Carpet Gala Events: Walk the red carpet and see celebrity sightings, directors and film industry legends at private screenings
• Explore Al Balad: Walk through the old district of Al Balad, with stunning architecture, souks, and art installations and shop at traditional markets for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and Saudi-themed merchandise.
• Masterclasses and workshops: Take lessons from Oscar-winning directors, leading directors, and professionals in the field.

Travel Tips

• Arrive at least 1–2 days before the festival starts to settle in and explore Jeddah.
• Events and screenings may have long queues, so arrive early for popular films and red carpet events.
• Car rentals are available at the airport if you prefer self driving.
• Download the RSIFF app for schedules, ticket booking and event updates.

Interesting facts

• Unlike many global film festivals held in modern venues, RSIFF takes place in Al Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient coral-stone buildings.
• RSIFF made history as Saudi Arabia’s first-ever international film festival when it launched in 2021.
• RSIFF features 100+ movies from 40+ nations annually, making it the largest film festival in the Middle East following Egypt's Cairo International Film Festival.
• The celebration is a central component of Saudi Arabia's vision to become a global center for film production under Vision 2030. Big productions such as Kandahar (2023) featuring Gerard Butler have already been shot in the kingdom.

FAQs

What is the Red Sea International Film Festival?

RSIFF is the largest film festival in Saudi Arabia, screening international, regional, and Saudi films. It includes film screenings, red carpet receptions, celebrity panels, masterclasses, and networking for filmmakers.

Where is the festival conducted?

The festival is held in Al Balad, the historic part of Jeddah, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its beautiful architecture and cultural importance.

Can international guests visit the festival?

Yes! The festival is open to international visitors. Travelers from most countries can obtain a Saudi eVisa via Visit Saudi.

Who are some of the celebrities who visited RSIFF?

Some previous visitors include: Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Ranbir Kapoor, Sharon Stone, Andrew Garfield, Jackie Chan, Priyanka Chopra, and Spike Lee.