The Yusr Awards
The Yusr Awards recognize and celebrate boldness and innovation in film, awarding the biggest prizes in the region to both emerging and established voices across the formats of fiction, documentary, and animation. The Yusr Awards are presented to emerging talents before a truly international attendance that comprises the very best of worldwide talents in film.
The awards also shine a light on films from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa, ensuring that the Red Sea International Film Festival encompasses a reach that is across the region and beyond.
The Story Behind the Yusr
Yusr, the Black Coral of the Red Sea, is a fascinating and enigmatic marine treasure that graces the depths of the vibrant underwater world. Endemic to the Red Sea, Yusr (meaning “wealth” in Arabic) stands out with its striking ebony hue, contrasting with the kaleidoscope of colors found in the coral reefs. This unique coral, scientifically known as Antipathes Dichotoma, thrives in the deeper, dimly lit regions of the sea, forming intricate colonies that provide shelter and habitat for various marine life. While the Yusr’s growth is considered slow, it enjoys an enduring and resilient nature. Despite this, the Black Coral faces the threats of climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to preserve this valuable component of the Red Sea’s biodiversity.
At the Red Sea International Film Festival, we take pride in celebrating and immortalizing our beautiful heritage of both superbly created human arts, and the breathtaking natural environment with which we have been blessed.
The awards are presented by an international jury of world-renowned filmmakers and industry veterans in screenwriting, acting and directing, and cover the following categories:
| ( | Silver Yusr Short Film Trophy and 12,500 USD prize |
) |
Suitcase
Directed by Saman Hosseinpuor & Ako Zandkarimi
| ( | Golden Yusr Short Film Trophy and 25,000 USD prize |
) |
Somewhere in Between
Directed by Dahlia Nemlich
| ( | Best Actor
Trophy |
) |
Saleh Bakri
The Teacher
| ( | Best Actress
Trophy |
) |
Mouna Hawa
Inshallah A Boy
| ( | Best Screenplay
Trophy and 10,000 USD prize |
) |
Karim Bensalah
Six Feet Over
| ( | Best Cinematic Achievement Trophy |
) |
Omen
| ( | Best Director
Trophy and 10,000 USD prize |
) |
Shokir Kholikov
Sunday
| ( | Jury Award
Trophy and 10,000 USD prize |
) |
Farah Nabulsi
The Teacher
| ( | Silver Yusr for Best Feature Film Trophy and 30,000 USD prize |
) |
Tarsem Singh
Dear Jassi
| ( | Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film Trophy and 100,000 USD prize |
) |
Zarrar Kahn
In Flames
| ( | Young Rising Star Award by Chopard Trophy |
) |
Nour Alkhadra
| ( | Asharq Award for Best Documentary Trophy and 10,000 USD prize |
) |
Four Daughters
| ( | Film AlUla Best Saudi Film Award Trophy and 50,000 USD prize |
) |
Noura
| ( | Film AlUla Audience Award Trophy and 50,000 USD prize |
) |
