The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) will present Rowan Athale’s biopic GIANT as its Opening Night gala film for its fifth edition. From the British-Indian filmmaker, GIANT tells the uplifting story of British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed, and will screen in its MENA premiere on 4th December 2025.
GIANT recounts the remarkable and inspiring true story of legendary British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed – played by Egyptian-British actor Amir El Masry – and his relationship with Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, charting Naz’s rags-to-riches underdog tale from his humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming champion of the world. With his dominance of the sport, Naseem faced down the abhorrent racism and islamophobia that swept Britain in the 1980s and ’90s to become a global sporting icon. The film explores the unlikely and tender relationship between Naz and Ingle, and the instrumental role that Ingle played on Naz’s road to success. An inspiring biopic of the boy behind the Prince — one of the greatest showmen the sporting world has even seen.
Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said “Our selection of “GIANT” as the opening film of the fifth edition embodies an artistic celebration of regional talents who have established their presence on the global film scene. Through the story of an Arab world champion in boxing, the film portrays a journey of perseverance that inspires generations and reflects pride in identity.highlighting the growing presence of Arab stars in international productions alongside global names, reaffirming that Arab cinema today stands as a powerful force in the global film landscape.”
Red Sea Fund Backs 30 Projects As Cycle 1 Titles Take Cannes’ Caméra D’or And TIFF’s Platform Award
Red Sea Film Foundation Announces The Postponement Of The Sixth Edition Of The Red Sea International Film Festival To 2027
