The Red Sea Film Foundation recently made a leadership announcement following a successful Cannes Film Festival. Mohammed Al-Turki, the current CEO, will be transitioning to an advisory role as he focuses on personal projects and his career as an independent film producer and businessman. Meanwhile, the search for his successor is ongoing, and during this transition, former board member Mohammed Asseri will serve as the acting CEO of the foundation.
The Red Sea Film Foundation achieved a significant milestone at the Cannes Film Festival. Four of its supported titles were selected for the festival, including Tawfik Alzaidi’s Norah, which premiered at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival. This film made history as the first Saudi film in the festival’s Official Selection, earning a Special Mention in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. Other notable projects included To a Land Unknown, directed by Mahdi Fleifel, Animale by Emma Benestan, and The Brink of Dreams, a documentary by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir. The latter won the L’Œil d’or (Golden Eye Award) for Best Documentary at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Since its establishment, the Red Sea Film Foundation has supported over 250 projects from Saudi Arabia, MENA, Africa, and Asia, showcasing its films at international festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Toronto.
Chairwoman Jomana Alrashid expressed gratitude for the outgoing CEO, Mohammed Al-Turki, acknowledging his integral role in the foundation’s journey and expressing excitement for the future leadership. Additionally, Mohammed Al Turki shared his gratitude and reflected on the significant progress made during his tenure.
The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from December 5 to 14.
