The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 has commenced with great fanfare in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, featuring active participation from Pakistan. The festival is establishing itself as a crucial platform for global filmmakers and artists in the Middle East.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Presence and Warm Welcome
🌟 Representing Artists
Pakistan was represented at the opening ceremony by a delegation that included veteran actress Atiqa Odho, renowned TV host Tauseeq Haider, and actor Shehzad Nawaz. The Pakistani artists received a warm welcome from both the event organizers and the international attendees.
🎬 Theme of Unity
The festival’s fifth edition began under the theme of ‘Living Cinema,’ bringing together filmmakers from the Arab world, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, symbolizing a global convergence through film.
🇸🇦 Saudi Vision for Culture and Cinema
🎤 Cultural Minister’s Address
The festival was inaugurated by the Saudi Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. In his address, he emphasized that culture is “one of the most powerful weapons of global influence” and highlighted cinema’s vital role in uniting people and fostering international understanding.
🚀 Driving Cultural Growth
-
Prince Badr stated that the festival’s fifth edition reflects the support and efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
-
He highlighted the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector over the past seven years, deeming it the foundation for the Kingdom’s future.
-
The Ministry of Culture has focused on preserving national heritage and promoting a diverse cultural landscape, including literature, visual arts, music, and cinema.
🌍 Empowering Youth
Prince Badr also stressed the role of the Red Sea Film Foundation in empowering youth, supporting creativity, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global film industry through its annual programs. He concluded that these efforts contribute to economic growth and solidify the Kingdom’s position as a significant destination for cinema.
