11 Blockbuster Films Selected for the Festival’s Fourth Edition, Including MARIA, WE LIVE IN TIME, NAPOLI – NEW YORK and K-POPS!
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has selected 11 films for its International Spectacular strand, which will be screened at the fourth edition of the RSIFF running in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 5th – 14th 2024.
The International Spectacular programme showcases some of the most highly anticipated and talked about films of the year, screened for the first time in the Arab world. Highlights include the international premiere of period drama NAPOLI – NEW YORK directed by Academy Award®-winner Gabriele Salvatores based on a story idea from Federco Fellini. Pablo Larraín’s MARIA starring Academy Award®-winner Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, and romantic dramedy WE LIVE IN TIME, starring Academy Award®-nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh will premiere at the Festival’s fantastic new location in Al-Balad. The festival will see the first Arab screening of KRAVEN THE HUNTER, a visceral, action-packed origin story of one of Marvel’s most iconic villains from acclaimed director J.C. Chandor, with the story by Richard Wenk and screenplay by Wenk and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway and stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Russell Crowe
The International Spectacular slate spotlights thought-provoking documentaries, groundbreaking narratives, and experimental films that push the boundaries of traditional cinema and narratives from an eclectic mix of cultures and backgrounds.
The program includes Mark Gill’s RAVENS, starring Shogun star Tadanobu Asano, an exploration of the love story between legendary Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase and his wife Yoko; and Santiago Maza’s powerful documentary STATE OF SILENCE, produced by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, which tracks the treacherous journey of four journalists fighting to publish the truth about systematic corruption in Mexico. Also screening is Canadian director R.T. Thorne’s 40 ACRES, telling the post-apocalyptic story of a Black family of farmers from American Civil War migrants defending their homestead against cannibals; from France, MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR, a biopic of the life of French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour; and eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak’s directorial debut K-POPS!, a family comedy that merges hip-hop and K-Pop cultures and genres. Fans of music will also be able to revel in the documentary about the famous song MY WAY. For family and children, A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS sees Danny DeVito bring some seasonal joy to a summer in the Dolomites.
Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming, says: “Our International Spectacular slate includes films from some of the most talented and globally renowned filmmakers and actors – from NAPOLI – NEW YORK, which realises an unfinished Federico Fellini treatment, to R.T. Thorne’s feature debut 40 ACRES which uses the dystopian thriller to explore the experiences of Black and Indigenous people in America. We’re especially proud that the section has films that will delight all audiences, whether they are fans of documentaries, musicals, drama or family entertainment. There is something for everyone.”
The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will run in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 5th – 14th 2024.
Red Sea International Film Festival – International Spectacular:
40 ACRES
R.T. Thorne (Canada)
With civil war brewing, a Black military veteran and her indigenous partner are determined to protect their farm and their children against everyone.
A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS
Peter Chelsom (Italy)
As long as there’s love, there’s Christmas.
K-POPS!
Anderson .Paak (USA)
It’s a long way to the top of the K-Pops chart when you want to rock ’n’ roll as a reunited father and son discover.
KRAVEN THE HUNTER
J.C. Chandor (USA)
Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff, starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.
MARIA
Pablo Larraín (Italy, Germany, USA)
Angelina Jolie commands the screen as the peerless opera diva Maria Callas in this imaginative account of her final days.
MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR
Mehdi Idir, Fabien Marsaud (France)
Tahir Rahim gives a stand-out performance as the legendary singer Charles Aznavour, who struggled from an impoverished childhood to become a household name.
MY WAY
Thierry Teston, Lisa Azuelos (France, USA)
The story of a song that, over 50 years and in dozens of versions, has become an international anthem.
NAPOLI – NEW YORK
Gabriele Salvatores (Italy)
In the post-war period two kids, Carmine and Celestina, secretly board a ship bound for New York, a city they will learn to call home.
RAVENS
Mark Gill (France, Japan, Spain, Belgium)
An exploration of Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase’s tumultuous, tragic relationship with his second wife, Yoko, and his personal demons.
STATE OF SILENCE
Santiago Maza (Mexico)
Four Mexican journalists who risk their lives to do their jobs – holding the powerful to account – testify to the urgency of a free press.
WE LIVE IN TIME
John Crowley (France, UK)
An up-and-coming chef and a recent divorcée find their lives forever changed when a chance encounter brings them together, in a decade-spanning, deeply moving romance.
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