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Cannes IFF Highlights: Red Sea Film Foundation Backed Films NORAH and THE BRINK OF DREAMS Marking International Successes for Saudi and Arab Cinema

May 27, 2024

  • NORAH,” the First Saudi Film at Cannes Backed by the Red Sea Fund, Earns Special Mention from the Jury for its Artistic Distinction
  • “THE BRINK OF DREAMS,” Backed by the Red Sea Fund, Wins the Golden Eye Award for Best Documentary, Marking an Unprecedented Achievement for Egyptian Cinema

the 77th Cannes Film Festival concluded its run last Saturday, marking a special year for Saudi and Arab cinema. The festival showcased exceptional films from the Arab region, backed by the Red Sea Film Foundation.

The Saudi film NORAH directed by Tawfik AlZaidi competed in the official competition of the Cannes Film Festival in the “Un Certain Regard” section, achieving a new milestone as the first Saudi film to be officially selected in the Cannes Film Festival, winning the admiration of critics and audiences, along with receiving a special mention from the jury. The film also received wide public acclaim, as its tickets were sold out within hours of opening the booking window. “Nora” stars Yaqoub Alfarhan, and Maria Bahrawi, and features Abdullah Al Sadhan for the first time on the big screen.

THE BRINK OF DREAMS an Egyptian Red Sea Fund-supported film directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir won the Golden Eye Award for Best Documentary Film shared with the French film “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found.”  The film was screened within the Critics’ Week at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and received wide acclaim from critics and audiences.

Over the years, the Red Sea Film Foundation has extended its support to hundreds of unique film projects and rising cinematic talents through its programs: the Red Sea Fund, the Red Sea Souk, and the Red Sea Labs. These programs have empowered filmmakers to create works that have garnered recognition and won awards at international festivals, such as Kaouther Ben Hania’s Film “Four Daughters” which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary.