The Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has selected 12 films as festival favorites, including films from the British Oscars SantoshAn Indian police documentary about two women who form an unlikely alliance, directed by Sandhya Suri and Chinese director Guan Hu. black dogWon the Un Certain Regard Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Representing the United States team is familiar touch Director Sarah Friedland’s synopsis reads: “After arriving at an elderly care facility, Ruth thinks she is on a date in a luxury hotel—with a man who is actually her son. Gradually, She also adapts to life now. The film had its world premiere in the Venice Film Festival’s Horizon lineup.
Festival favorites also include two films from Africa screening at the Toronto International Film Festival: Wanderers Legends: Queen of LagosIt tells the story of a poor young mother living in a waterside community in Lagos, directed by Bisola Akinmuyiwa, Atinkpo Elijah, Tina Edukpo, Samuel Okechukwu, Temitope Ogungbamila, Mathew Cerf; and Afolabi Olalekan ( Afolabi Olalekan) road to freedomalso set in Lagos, explores the impact of a new ride-sharing app on its founders and customers.
“This year’s selection continues to demonstrate our commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives during the festival,” said Kaleem Aftab, International Programming Director at Red Sea Festival. “These films explore a range of real human themes – from contemporary social issues to relationships and the search for meaning in an increasingly complex and chaotic world.”
Antoine Kalef, Director of Arab Programs and Classic Films, added: “This year’s festival favorites are films that remain in the hearts of audiences long after the curtain has fallen. They all tell important stories about resilience, identity and stories of universal truths. We invite everyone to experience these stories for themselves and indulge in different perspectives from around the world.
Here’s the full selection of favorites from Red Sea Music Festival 2024:
Now Director Ara Edin Slim
Tunisia, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
In a remote town, missing people return under inexplicable circumstances. The investigation was led by local police inspector Fati and assisted by his doctor friend Amin. Things get complicated and the capital sends reinforcements to solve the case.
black dog Director Guan Hu
China
In a desolate, crumbling Chinese town on the verge of demolition, an injured ex-convict forms a transformative connection with a stray dog.
east of noon Director Hala Elkusi
Egypt, Netherlands, Qatar
This is a parable about the musician Abdo, who rebels against his elders and seeks freedom in a limited world outside of time through his art.
Ifos Director Carson Lund
United States of America (USA), France
A group of out-of-shape middle-aged men gather together for the last time for a weekly baseball game; in many ways, it’s the end of an era.
familiar touch Director Sarah Friedland
United States of America (USA)
After arriving at an aged care facility, Ruth thought she was on a date at a luxury hotel – the date was actually her son. Gradually, she adapted to her current life.
road to freedom Director Afolabio Lalekan
Nigeria
A ride-sharing app is just what chaotic Lagos needs, but both the young engineers who developed it and the customers who rely on it must contend with corruption, police brutality and extortion.
The inevitable journey of finding a wedding dress Director Geranoff
Egypt
Varda’s frantic search for a wedding dress on the eve of her ceremony becomes a journey of self-discovery that challenges her relationship with Cairo and herself.
The Legend of the Wandering Queen of Lagos Director: Bisola Akinmuyiwa/Atinkpo Elijah/Tina Adukbo/Samuel Okechukwu/Temitope Ogungbamila/Matthew Cerf
Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, United States of America (USA)
A poor young mother imbued with the ancient warrior spirit faces bullies and bulldozers destroying a waterside community in Lagos.
little jaffna Director Laurence Waring
France
A police officer sent to Paris to infiltrate Tamil gangs begins to wonder whose side he is really on.
quiet life Directed by Alexandros Avranas
France, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Greece, Finland
The youngest refugee child developed a mysterious illness after his application for political asylum in Sweden was rejected.
Santosh Director Sandhya Suri
UK, Germany, France
A new female police officer in India comes under the influence of an older female mentor.
you are the universe Director Pavlo Ostrkov
Ukraine, Belgium
Where were you when the earth exploded? In space, desperately looking for friends on the other side of the solar system.
