Red Sea Film Foundation at Venice Festival: The Red Sea Film Foundation (Red Sea FF) will participate in the 81st Venice International Film Festival, showcasing several films supported by the Red Sea Fund, including “Aïcha”, “Seeking Haven for Rambo”, and “Aisha Can’t Fly Away Anymore”.
Diverse Film Selection: The Foundation's films will be featured in various festival sections, such as Orizzonti, Orizzonti Extra, and Giornate degli Autori, highlighting its commitment to promoting diverse and innovative storytelling from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
Ongoing Support and Upcoming Festival: Established in 2021, the Red Sea Fund has backed over 250 film projects. The Foundation will also host its fourth Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah from December 5 to 14, 2024, continuing its role in supporting and showcasing regional filmmakers.
Jeddah, September 2, 2024 — The Red Sea Film Foundation (Red Sea FF) is making significant strides in extending its influence on the global stage of cinema. In a recent press release, the Foundation announced its participation in the 81st Venice International Film Festival, which is being held from August 28 to September 7, 2024. This marks an exciting opportunity for the Foundation to showcase films supported by the Red Sea Fund, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent and promoting diverse storytelling across the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
The Venice International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, will feature several films backed by the Red Sea Fund. Among them is “Aïcha,” which will be screened in the Orizzonti section. This film has already garnered attention after winning the Red Sea Souk Award at the second edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, a testament to its compelling narrative and artistic merit. The selection of “Aïcha” highlights the growing recognition of films from the Arab world on international platforms, showcasing the unique voices and stories emerging from the region.
Another noteworthy film supported by the Red Sea Fund is “Seeking Haven for Rambo,” which will be featured in the Orizzonti Extra section. This film was developed under "The Lodge" program, part of the Red Sea Labs initiative, and received support from the Red Sea Fund in 2023. The inclusion of this film underscores the Foundation’s dedication to fostering innovative storytelling and supporting filmmakers in their creative journeys. The Orizzonti Extra section, known for its focus on new trends and boundary-pushing works in cinema, provides an ideal platform for “Seeking Haven for Rambo” to captivate a global audience.
In addition, “Aisha Can’t Fly Away Anymore” will be screened as part of the "Final Cut" initiative at the festival. This initiative is dedicated to supporting films in the post-production phase, offering crucial resources to ensure these projects reach their full potential. The Red Sea Foundation has awarded a €5,000 prize to this film, reflecting its commitment to aiding filmmakers in overcoming the final hurdles to bring their stories to the screen. The "Final Cut" initiative is a vital part of the festival's efforts to support emerging talents, and the inclusion of “Aisha Can’t Fly Away Anymore” signals its promise as a poignant and powerful cinematic work.
Furthermore, the films “Sudan, Remember Us” and “To Kill a Mongolian Horse” will be featured in the Giornate degli Autori section, which focuses on showcasing independent films that offer fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to storytelling. The participation of these films highlights the diverse range of stories that the Red Sea Fund is committed to bringing to the forefront, emphasizing the rich cultural tapestry and narrative depth of the region.
Since its inception in 2021, the Red Sea Fund has been a beacon of support for filmmakers in the Arab world, Africa, and Asia. By backing over 250 film projects, the Fund has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and dynamic film culture, encouraging the growth of regional storytelling, and providing filmmakers with the resources they need to succeed on the global stage. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission to position the region as a hub for creative excellence and innovation in cinema.
Looking ahead, the Red Sea Film Foundation continues to build momentum with its upcoming fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, scheduled to take place in Jeddah from December 5 to 14, 2024. This event is expected to further cement the Foundation’s role as a key player in the global film industry, providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, engage with international audiences, and foster cross-cultural exchanges.
Through its strategic participation in international film festivals and ongoing support for regional filmmakers, the Red Sea Film Foundation is not only enhancing its reputation on the global stage but also contributing to a more diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape. By championing unique voices and narratives, the Foundation is helping to shape the future of film in the Arab world and beyond.