RSIFF 2025 brings powerful Palestine films, Bollywood stars and global filmmakers to Jeddah

You may be conflicted at director Kaouther Ben Hania’s decision of using the ‘real’ voice of the little girl (shown on screen through flickering audio recordings) in her recreation of those tense hours as the rescuers race against bureaucratic apathy and mounting danger from Israeli forces but there’s no getting past its impact: this Tunisian film is a testament to the futility of conflict, and how, in the end, a five- year-old’s terrified voice becomes a moving, potent anti-war statement.

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The Voice of Hind Rajab and two other films on Palestine – Jordan’s All That’s Left Of You directed by Cherien Dabis and Palestine’s Palestine 36 by Annemarie Jacir – shortlisted by the Academy in its best international best feature section, were part of the strong programming slate at the fifth edition of the RSIFF, which screened over 100 films from 70 countries, building on its focus on West Asia and surrounding regions (Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa and Asia).

Alia Bhatt and Helen Hoehne, President, Golden Globes attend the Golden Globes Gala Dinner at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)

The other section which this writer, as part of invited press, found both productive and enjoyable was the ‘In Conversation’ section. It had a sizeable Bollywood component (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan kickstarted the section, followed by Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, Kartik Aryan and Salman Khan) along with others from Hollywood, including Anthony Hopkins, Sigourney Weaver, Idris Elba, Riz Ahmed (who was part of the jury) and jury head, Sean Baker.

One of the highlights was the appearance of Sir Michael Caine, who was honoured for his seven-decade long illustrious career, looking distinctly aged but with his distinctive Cockney humour intact, wheeled onto stage by Vin Diesel. That was on the opening night. On the closing night, Salman Khan’s presence brought the house down. Khan was a ‘surprise’ addition, much to the delight of his local fans, all of whom adore Bhaijaan. They patiently lined up for more than an hour, waiting for an additional hour to hear him speak. So who is bigger “Shah Rukh or Salman”, I asked, as the line snaked into the auditorium. “Salman”, came the loud chorus.

The presence of Jeddah residents was visible both in the star-heavy conversation section as well as the screenings. Clearly, Bollywood and its denizens are hugely popular here: this is Bhatt’s second visit in three years; the others are here for the first time, and from what they share with their gracious interlocutors, it looks as if it will be an abiding relationship.

And this is a significant element of the Red Sea film festival, which actively works on local involvement (some attendees had come from neighbouring Riyadh), and to make the event a December destination for them, as well as the press and delegates who made up the film market at the Red Sea Souk, looking for partners for their productions and projects.

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In the slew of international projects, an Indo-Singapore collaboration, Early Days, directed by Priyankar Patra, stood out. Featuring newcomers Manasi Kaushik and Sarthak Sharma, this Mumbai-based debut feature is about two young people navigating the pressures of big city living through their online and offline personas.

No account of this RSIFF edition would be complete without an honourable mention of Rekha on the red-carpet, attending the screening of Umrao Jaan, along with director Muzaffar Ali. Forty-five years on, her light hasn’t dimmed. So hasn’t the film.