The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) is currently underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcasing a diverse array of films and fostering cross-cultural dialogue within the industry. Running from December 4th to 13th, the fifth edition of the festival has drawn over 40,000 attendees to the historic Al-Balad district. This year's event is marked by unexpected pairings of celebrities from across the globe, creating buzz and excitement among fans and industry professionals alike.
One of the most talked-about moments was a selfie featuring Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan and Hollywood legend Johnny Depp. Aaryan posted the image on Instagram, playfully captioning it "Pirates of the Red Sea. JackSparrow x RoohBaba," referencing Depp's iconic role and his own popular character. The photo quickly went viral, with fans expressing their surprise and enthusiasm for the unexpected interaction and many urging a future collaboration.
Beyond this viral moment, the festival has played host to a number of other surprising and delightful celebrity interactions. Salman Khan, known for his Bollywood blockbusters, was spotted in conversation with Idris Elba, the acclaimed British actor. The pair were seen discussing potential collaborations between the Indian and British film industries, sparking speculation about future projects.
The RSIFF has also become a platform for celebrating female voices in film. Juliette Binoche participated in the "Women in Motion" program, engaging in a panel discussion about storytelling, identity, and the power of diverse filmmaking. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan headlined the "In Conversation With" sessions, sharing reflections on her career and experiences. Rekha, another icon of Indian cinema, was also in attendance, with the festival presenting a restored screening of her classic film Umrao Jaan.
Adding to the festival's international flavor, a host of Hollywood stars including Dakota Johnson, Ana de Armas, Nina Dobrev, and Queen Latifah, graced the event. These stars participated in "In Conversation" sessions, sharing insights from their careers and engaging with fans. Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody also returned to the festival, offering his perspective on acting.
The 2025 RSIFF has also emphasized collaboration and exchange within the Asian film market. The Asia Content Business Summit held its first conference in Jeddah during the festival, with Saudi Arabia officially joining the group. The festival also featured a China Pavilion, highlighting the growing collaboration between major Asian film markets.
The festival commenced with the Middle East premiere of "Giant," a biographical sports drama about boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, starring Amir El Masry and Pierce Brosnan. Sean Baker, director of Anora, is serving as the Jury President. The event will showcase over 100 films from around 70 countries.
The Red Sea International Film Festival continues to solidify its position as a leading cultural and cinematic event, fostering creativity and supporting filmmakers from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The unexpected celebrity pairings and diverse programming at the 2025 edition underscore the festival's commitment to bridging cultures and promoting cinematic excellence.
