{"id":45174,"date":"2024-10-18T15:45:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T15:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redseafilmfest.com\/?post_type=press&p=45174"},"modified":"2024-10-29T15:52:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T15:52:29","slug":"the-red-sea-international-film-festival-announces-shorts-for-2024-edition","status":"publish","type":"press","link":"https:\/\/redseafilmfest.com\/en\/press\/the-red-sea-international-film-festival-announces-shorts-for-2024-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"The Red Sea International Film Festival Announces Shorts For 2024 Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

48 Films Selected Across New Saudi, New Cinema, Arab Shorts and International Shorts Programmes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) has selected an impressive programme of short films as part of its Saudi, Arab and International Shorts strands. The selected films reflect this year\u2019s theme of home – exploring identity, memory and belonging, and will be screened at the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival which will run in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 5th<\/sup> – 14th<\/sup> 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arab Shorts lineup reflects the rich tapestry of creativity in the region, and this year 15 shorts have been selected, featuring stories that traverse the cultural, social, and personal landscapes and talent from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Jordan, and Lebanon. The selected projects will be judged as part of the Yusr Awards, with the winners presented at the Festival\u2019s awards ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Shorts strand highlights films from African and Asian filmmakers operating across the globe, with 12 films selected from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, and Mauritius. The films in Competition deal with a myriad of themes \u2013 touching on climate change, human nature, displacement and family, and will complement the soon to be announced international feature film line up.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For 2024, 21 films have been selected for the Festival\u2019s \u2018New Saudi, New Cinema\u2019 programme. The strand spotlights Saudi Arabia\u2019s emerging cinematic talent, offering films that explore cultural identity, personal triumphs and modern societal trends, and includes the winners of the 48Hr Film Challenge 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming, says: \u201cThis year\u2019s selection of International Shorts depict unique global narratives from a talented and diverse group of directors, and it was difficult to narrow down all of the incredible submissions we received. Across the festival, we\u2019re spotlighting the theme of home expressed through film, and our Shorts selection showcase the different communities and places that represent belonging for people around the world.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antione Khalife, Director of the Arab and Classics programme, added, \u201cOne of our key aims at the Festival is to provide a platform for both upcoming and established filmmakers to screen their work for both key industry figures and new audiences in the region. Our New Saudi, New Cinema and Arab Shorts programmes feature incredible talent from Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab region, reflecting the ongoing growth of the industry and the diversity of ideas within it. Offering a glimpse into the stories and experiences from the region, we\u2019re looking forward to bringing these films to our Festival\u2019s audiences in December.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will run in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 5th<\/sup> – 14th<\/sup> 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red Sea: Shorts Competition \u2013 Arab Selection:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FRAGMENTS OF LIFE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anis Ben Dali<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a remote mountain village of children, Slim, a fatherless boy with asthma, struggles with isolation and a rivalry with his reluctant caretaker, Marwan. When Marwan discovers Slim\u2019s puppet father figure and steals it, Slim\u2019s anger ignites a quest for revenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAINT ROSE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zayn Alexandre<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An unhappy housewife seeks refuge in unhealthy coping mechanisms while her husband takes charge of preparations for their daughter\u2019s upcoming engagement ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE SIGNAL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nasser Alqattan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young man stops at a traffic light and becomes a social media sensation. When a group of men approaches him for answers, he remains silent, prompting them to call the police to uncover his story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SHAMS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adam Rayan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young boy grapples with the death of his father as his mother sells his beloved camel for money, forcing him to confront a difficult choice that he can ultimately control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHIKHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ayoub Layoussifi and Zahoua Raji<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Seventeen-year-old Fatine lives in Azemmour, Morocco, with her mother, Nadia, a chikha (singer of A\u00efta). After passing her baccalaureate exams, Fatine faces a dilemma: follow her family\u2019s artistic tradition or pursue a safer life with someone who disdains her heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFRICAN FAMILY DINNER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ibrahim Mursal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mona, a Norwegian blonde, meets her Ghanaian friend\u2019s family for the first time at a dinner. What begins as a simple gathering quickly escalates into one of the most awkward introductions ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IN THREE LAYERS OF DARKNESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Houcem Slouli<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The film follows Ghassen, a young Tunisian man navigating the challenges of obtaining a visa. The short explores themes of immigration and perseverance against bureaucratic injustice for the fundamental right to move freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHILDREN OF BARZAGH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahmed Khattab<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In war-torn Gaza, Noor rescues a dog, leading her on a journey where the boundaries between life and death blur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MERA, MERA, MERA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khaled Zidan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a neighborhood facing demolition in Jeddah, Saeed loses his ability to speak, uttering only the word \u201cMera,\u201d which leads him to uncover a mysterious truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MALIKA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maram Taibah<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rebellious Saudi girl embarks on a magical quest to retrieve her dying grandmother\u2019s lost crown from beasts, discovering the true meaning of being a queen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LAND OF GOD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imad Benomar<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hassan, a civil servant, Malika, a gendarme, and an intern must deliver coffins to two families. When Hassan realizes he has mixed up the bodies, he panics and hides the mistake, causing their mission to take an unexpected turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEMSHI?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assaf Al Rousan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After his father\u2019s death, dedicated family man Emad struggles with overwhelming emotions that jeopardize his sense of purpose and connection to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIZR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rani Nasr<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After clashing with the mayor, who shot his cat, Issam flees to the valley. In a cabin, he wrestles with anger as his friend Raafat urges silence, forcing a choice between loyalty and survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZAHRA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hadi Shatat<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The film follows a clothing factory worker in her final days of pregnancy whose need for money to afford a C-section leads her to uncover the tragic realities of her community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ONE LAST TIME<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karim Rahbani <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toufic, a loner in his 80s, faces a late-in-life crisis when a neighbor mistakenly visits him, reigniting his passion for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red Sea: Shorts Competition \u2013 International Selection:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACROSS THE WATER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viv Li (France, China)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quirky girl in a remote Chinese mining town feels a new world open up when she listens to a passing truck-driver\u2019s Walkman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALAZAR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beza Hailu Lemma (Ethiopia, Canada, France)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the land turns to dust during an endless drought, Tessema must also deal with the mysterious disappearance of his dead father\u2019s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HATCH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alireza Kazemipour and Panta Mosleh (Canada, Iran)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afghan refugees hiding in a water truck are discovered by border guards in a terrifying story ripped straight from the headlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LAI LEI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Binglin Cui (China)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lives go full circle from childhood to old age in this concise contemplation of the passage of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LUNGE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negar Hassanzadeh (Iran)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A champion Iranian fencer faces a make-or-break choice when her team asks her to feign injury and withdraw from her next match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NAILS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Triparna Banerjee (India)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dolly was studying to be a doctor. She certainly has a way with a knife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEVER HAVE I EVER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joyce A. Nashawati (France)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A woman wakes up bound and gagged in a car by a mysterious man. Can she escape?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PIE DAN LO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim Yip Tong (Mauritius, Reunion)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A beautiful, animated tribute to the people who fought to defend idyllic Mauritius from a disastrous oil spill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RADIKALS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arvin Belarmino (<\/em>Philippines, France, Bangladesh, USA)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make the wrong move at Bakte, a Filipino dance inspired by chickens, and you could end up dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SANKI YOXSAN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azer Guliev (<\/em>France, Azerbaijan)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the day Samir and Leyla have agreed to run away from their disapproving families, Samir disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UREFU WE KAMBA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mageto Ndege (Kenya)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burning down their family home releases the buried hostilities between three sisters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WASHHH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mickey Lai (Malaysia, Ireland)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a national service camp, discipline of young girls includes telling them their bodies are dirty \u2013 and punishing them for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Saudi, New Cinema Selection:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A MOSQUITO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raneem Almohandes and Dana Almohandes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


An animated short set in Al Ula, 1969, following Zozo, a mosquito with dreams of becoming a famous singer like the Egyptian legend Umm Kulthum. The film explores themes of ambition, identity, and the challenges of pursuing one\u2019s dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE POST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zakaria Albashir<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Six people witness the sudden death of a post office employee. This short fiction film delves into themes of community, death, and the reflections of those left behind, all set against the backdrop of a small post office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE DREAMER DREAMS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abdulmohsen Albinali<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Set in pre-Islamic Arabia, this animated short follows a young priestess on her mystical journey of self-discovery. Through visions and dreams, she uncovers ancient truths, reflecting the rich folklore and spiritual heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNDERGROUND<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abdulrahman Sandokji<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


This short documentary presents real-life stories of Saudi musical talents, capturing their early struggles, challenges in the music industry, and their future aspirations as they seek recognition in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PAVLOV\u2019S BELLS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khalid Fahad<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


The story of Nala, a girl who confronts the decisions of a powerful figure in the workplace, realizing the power lies not in the person but in the authority of the position itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KHAMSEN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abdullah Alrowis<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Nawaf breaks into a wealthy family\u2019s house, but things take a turn when he encounters a large man with a rifle. They challenge each other to a life-or-death game of Carrom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TWO SISTERS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waleed Alqahtani<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


After a disastrous TV interview, actress Nour faces a PR crisis. At her birthday party, she decides to take control of her life amidst sneering guests and a ridiculous dance troupe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIED<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yam Fida<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Abdulmalik conceals his brother\u2019s death from their blind father, but a broken rosary and his father\u2019s words foreshadow an unavoidable truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHERE\u2019S THE IMAM?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abrar Qari<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Saleh\u2019s irresponsibility with money leads him to an obsession with stealing fire extinguishers, hoping it will help him pay his overdue rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHEN THE SHELVES HYMN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hanaa Saleh Alfassi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Mariam moves to AlUla to sell her family\u2019s antique shop, only to uncover her missing husband\u2019s dark secrets, leading her and her son toward newfound independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ASEER MEMORY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saad Tahaitah<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


A documentary on Mohammed Al-Matali\u2019s lifelong dedication to preserving Aseer\u2019s rich history through books, videos, and forgotten local street names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIAA SHAMSI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lama Jarkas<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Diaa\u2019s strained relationship with her narcissistic mother intensifies when she seeks independence by applying for a job against her mother\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUGAR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khalid Bin Waleed<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Abdulmalik wears his deceased brother\u2019s ring to avoid telling their blind father the truth, but a broken rosary becomes an ominous sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE EXTRAORDINARY MISADVENTURES OF THE AMAZING BOY SUPER-BLURRY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hassan El Hejaili<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Zezo discovers strange powers, like touching boiling tea unscathed, but no one seems to notice as his chaotic day unfolds in a whimsical black-and-white comedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAEED\u2019S DAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mohammed Zawari<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Saeed\u2019s attempts to recover from a late start to his day are thwarted by a series of comical and chaotic mishaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GUM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belal Albader<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Kindergarten boy Saad experiences love for the first time when new student Dania arrives, leading him to give her his most prized possession: his chewing gum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE EDGE (ORA)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahmed Alqithmi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


A miserably married couple, Sultan and Haneen, confront their broken relationship when Haneen shares a shocking truth in response to Sultan\u2019s probing questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE CERTAINTY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahmad Kurdi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Devout Saad is torn between faith and compassion when he learns his beloved nanny died as a Christian, and his father refuses to pay for her funeral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DOES IT HURT TOO BAD TO LOOK AT ME?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rana Matar<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


A young woman living out of the city goes on two crucial road trips, one with her father, and the other with her fianc\u00e9 to his parents house in the city. Upon arriving, she comes to question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself. \u201cDoes It Hurt Too Bad to Look at Me?\u201d invites audiences to reflect on the fragility of relationships, the influence of parents on our choices, and self exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winners of the fourth edition of the 48 hours challenge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALL IN ONE NIGHT (AION)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thoraya Akram<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malik, an introverted young man, finds his life changed when an imaginary friend in a pair of Converse shoes pushes him out of his comfort zone. The shoes lead him on a journey through the nightlife, forcing him to face his fears and expand his world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFEN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nawaf Alkinani and Othman Al Khowiter<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A TikTok group gains viral fame by filming their friend eating rotten food. As their friend\u2019s health deteriorates, they ignore his condition until one of them steps in to save him from further harm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

48 Films Selected Across New Saudi, New Cinema, Arab Shorts and International Shorts Programmes The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) has selected an impressive programme of short films as part of its Saudi, Arab and International Shorts strands. The selected films reflect this year\u2019s theme of home – exploring identity, memory and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":45175,"template":"","class_list":["post-45174","press","type-press","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/redseafilmfest.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press\/45174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/redseafilmfest.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/redseafilmfest.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/press"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redseafilmfest.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/redseafilmfest.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}