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.