- Through the Red Sea International Film Financing program, the Red Sea Film Foundation has supported Johnny Depp’s film “Modi.”
- The Cinematic Community Celebrates the Global Debut of Johnny Depp’s “Modi” at the 2024 San Sebastian Film Festival.
- In line with the foundation’s mission to empower local talent, Saudi talents receive film training during the production of Johnny Depp’s film “Modi.”
The Red Sea Film Foundation-backed film “MODI – Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” supported through the Red Sea International Film Financing program, premiered today at the 2024 San Sebastian International Film Festival. This compelling project marks the second directorial venture by actor and director Johnny Depp. Audiences had the opportunity to experience this cinematic achievement firsthand at its global debut at the festival, held from September 20 to 28, 2024, where it was featured out of competition.
‘Modi’ marks a significant return for Hollywood star Johnny Depp to the directing scene after a hiatus of over 25 years. The film features an ensemble cast of global stars including Riccardo Scamarcio, Antonia Desplat, Stephen Graham, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland, Luisa Raineri, Sally Phillips, alongside Al Pacino, who reunites with Depp for the first time since the 1997 release ‘Donnie Brasco.’
The film narrates the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani over a tumultuous 48-hour period, depicting a series of thrilling and turbulent events in the streets and alleys of war-torn Paris during World War I. Modi, amidst a police chase and despite his intense desire to end his artistic career and leave the city, faces opposition from his Bohemian peers: French artist Maurice Utrillo, the Belarusian-born Chaim Soutine, and his English muse and lover, Beatrice Hastings. Seeking advice from his Polish art dealer friend, Leopold Zborowski, Modi’s situation escalates when he encounters an art collector who could alter the course of his life.
The financing was provided as part of the Red Sea Film Foundation’s mission to elevate the cinematic landscape, both locally and internationally, and to enrich the silver screen with diverse and captivating storytelling.
In a parallel initiative, Red Sea Labs—a cornerstone initiative of the Red Sea Film Foundation—hosted a training program during the production of “Modi.” This initiative was designed to bolster emerging Saudi cinematic talent, providing participants with hands-on learning experiences from industry experts in various filmmaking departments. Participants in the training were Zeena Mighrani (Assistant Art Director), Ayah Salamah (Props Assistant), Razan Al Soghayer (Production Coordinator), and Kholoud Halabi (Sound Assistant). Through this hands-on experience, the participants acquired valuable skills and insights from top professionals in the film industry, thereby enhancing their ability to contribute to the growth and development of the local film industry.
The Red Sea Film Foundation has supported several international films through the Red Sea International Film Financing. This includes ‘Ferrari,’ which opened the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival and received two Oscar nominations for American director Michael Mann, along with the spy thriller ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ by renowned British director Guy Ritchie, set during World War II.
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