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Saudi’s Red Sea Film Festival Forges Ahead Undeterred Despite Israel-Hamas Conflict

 

The Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah continues to attract international stars, despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The festival, which runs from November 30 to December 9, features a glitzy red carpet and a world premiere of Yasir Al-Yasiri’s fantasy “HWJN.”

The event also features Will Smith, Sharon Stone, Ranveer Singh, Johnny Depp, and other Arabic stars. The festival’s foundation chairman, Jomana Al Rashid, highlighted Saudi’s theatrical box office’s doubled box office since the pandemic and its potential to reach the billion-dollar mark by 2030. The festival’s chief executive officer, Mohammed Al Turki, praised the Saudi film industry as a recognized force. Other attendees included Freida Pinto, Sofia Vergara, Amy Jackson, Mahlagha Jaberi, and Meryem Sarah Uzerli.

Ranveer Singh, an Indian actor, wore an all-black look and was presented an award by Sharon Stone. Singh thanked his fans for their support and thanked Depp for his versatility. The festival’s jury president, Baz Luhrmann, praised the vibrant and exciting film culture in Saudi Arabia in just five years since the lifting of the religion-related ban on movies.

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