In celebration of female voices in the global film industry, the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) hosted the 7th Women In Cinema Gala event this evening, shining a light on the achievements of women both on and behind the camera who are helping shape the film industry and inspire a new generation of talent in the Arab World, Africa, and Asia. The evening was MC-ed by celebrated Tunisian Egyptian actor and producer Hend Sabri (Four Daughters).
The Women In Cinema Gala embodies the Red Sea Film Foundation’s dedication to championing female voices in film. At the RSIFF’s Gala event, festival attendees came together to celebrate female directors from across the festival’s programme, as well as iconic women in film from across the world’s screen industries. A welcome address was delivered by festival leadership, and Jomana Al-Rashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, congratulated the seven women directors in competition at the festival: Denise Fernandes with Hanami, Kurdwin Ayub with Moon, Maram Taibah with Malika, Reema Katgi, with Superboys of Malageon, Roya Sadatwith Sima’s Song, Taghrid Abouelhassan with Snow White, and Xiaoxuan Jiang with To Kill A Mongolian Horse.
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) and Award winning actor and producer Eva Longoria (Only Murders In The Building) followed with speeches in recognition of the work that the Red Sea Film Foundation is doing to further women’s careers in film, particularly across the Arab world, Africa and Asia.
Jomana Al-Rashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation said: “It’s an honour to host so many trailblazing women and celebrate their drive, self-belief, and artistry tonight. The ethos of championing women in this industry has been woven into the activity of our Foundation since day one – from our leadership team and the filmmakers we support, to the stories they tell, celebrating and spotlighting women’s voices has been a primary focus for all of us. We’re looking forward to continuing to champion these voices across our festival this year.”
The event was held at the Jeddah Yacht Club, and notable guests included Asmae El Moudir, Cynthia Erivo, Mona Zaki, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emily Blunt, Minnie Driver, Hoyeon Jung, Mona Zaki, Amina Khalil, Yasmine Sabri, Mila Alzahrani, Nour Alkandra, and Fatima Albanawi.
The Festival is supported by Principal Sponsors: Visit Saudi, MBC and Genesis AlNaghi; Official Sponsors: TikTok, Saudia, Film AlUla, Chopard and SRMG; Strategic Sponsors of the Red Sea Souk: NEOM and Cultural Development Fund; and Support Sponsors Nova, Telfaz11, Getty Images and Mermaid Board.