Jeddah, December 3, 2025 — Jeddah's historic district prepares tomorrow to open the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, as Culture Square transforms into a global cinematic space hosting leading artists, filmmakers and creatives from around the world, under this year's theme, "For the Love of Cinema" — embodying an artistic spirit that goes beyond screenings to a full cultural experience uniting fans of creativity and visual storytelling.

The festival opens in the heart of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage district, where Culture Square overlooks Al-Arbaeen Lagoon in a setting that pulses with the spirit of Hejazi Jeddah, offering guests an experience that blends heritage with modernity, within a cultural scene that opens wide avenues for global cinematic dialogue over ten days, from December 4 to 13.

Over its four previous editions, the festival has established itself as the region's leading film event, hosting premieres of Arab and international films that earned critical acclaim and international awards, while also discovering new cinematic talents representing diverse cultures and innovative artistic styles. The festival has received several awards as best cultural and film event, boosting its media profile and making it a pivotal platform bringing together filmmakers and building bridges between cultures.

This year's edition screens more than 110 films from around the world, spanning world premieres, rising Saudi productions and restored classics, in addition to feature and short film competitions and specialized panels featuring leading figures of cinema. The festival also offers a rich programme of talks and workshops aimed at broadening the experience of the new generation and elevating the regional film movement.

The Red Sea Film Festival continues to support young talent through comprehensive initiatives and professional programmes that help develop the skills of writers, directors and technicians, with a focus on producing cinematic content that reflects new voices and innovative visions. This edition carries the visual and cultural momentum of five years of continuous work to build a Saudi film scene worthy of the Kingdom's ambitions and reflecting its growing global presence in the industry.

As Jeddah once again rolls out its red carpet to welcome filmmakers and creatives, the festival continues its journey of telling new stories and offering artistic experiences bearing the signature of local and international talent, in an ongoing journey titled "For the Love of Cinema" and a belief in the power of the image to express and carry creativity to the world.