The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah showcased powerful films on Palestine and attracted Bollywood luminaries. Highlights included docudramas on Gaza tragedies and conversations with stars like Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt. The event underscored the festival's focus on West Asian storytelling.
The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) concluded in Jeddah, honoring storytellers and new talents from West Asia, with a Bollywood mix thrown in. A little girl's voice crackles through headphones: 'Please come, I am so scared.' Over 98 harrowing minutes later, volunteers at the Palestine Red Crescent Society realize it belongs to five-year-old Hind Rajab, whose family was killed fleeing Gaza, their car strafed by machine gun fire. She is the sole survivor of her family of six. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' is a docudrama that testifies to the futility of conflict, turning a child's terrified voice into a potent anti-war statement.
Other Palestinian films included Jordan's 'All That's Left of You' by Cherien Dabis and Palestine's 'Palestine 36' by Annemarie Jacir, both shortlisted by the Academy for best international feature. The festival screened over 100 films from 70 countries, emphasizing West Asia, the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
The 'In Conversation' section featured prominent Bollywood elements: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan kicked it off, followed by Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, Kartik Aaryan, and Salman Khan. Hollywood stars included Anthony Hopkins, Sigourney Weaver, Idris Elba, Riz Ahmed (a jury member), and jury head Sean Baker. Sir Michael Caine was honored for his seven-decade career, wheeled onstage by Vin Diesel on opening night. On closing night, Salman Khan's surprise appearance thrilled local fans, who waited over an hour and chanted his superiority over Shah Rukh Khan.
Jeddah residents' participation was evident, reflecting Bollywood's huge popularity—Alia Bhatt's second visit in three years. The festival promotes local involvement, with attendees from Riyadh, and serves as a December destination. The Red Sea Souk hosted a film market for production partnerships. An Indo-Singapore collaboration, 'Early Days' directed by Priyankar Patra, featured newcomers in a Mumbai-based debut about urban pressures. Rekha graced the red carpet for 'Umrao Jaan' screening with director Muzaffar Ali, her light undimmed after 45 years.
