Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Red Sea International Film Festival wrapped its fourth edition with a grand awards ceremony that celebrated a diverse range of cinematic talents from around the globe. Among the standout winners was Tunisian filmmaker Lotfi Achour, whose film “Red Path” clinched the Yusr Award for Best Competition Film and Best Director.
“Red Path” tells a harrowing tale of a young shepherd named Ashraf who watches in horror as his cousin is brutally slain by Islamic State militants. This traumatic incident leaves Ashraf tormented, haunted by visions of his deceased cousin, in a story that explores themes of loss, injustice, and survival in a terror-stricken region.
The festival also recognized Mahdi Fleifel’s “To A Land Unknown,” a poignant drama about the endless exile of young Palestinians, which received the Silver Yusr Feature Film Award. Meanwhile, the AlUla Audience Award for International Film was awarded to “Little Jaffna,” directed by Lawrence Valin, and Abdulaziz Alshlahei’s “Hobal” won the same honor in the Saudi film category.
This year’s jury was led by renowned American filmmaker Spike Lee, adding a high-profile presence to the festival’s panel. The event attracted major international stars, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Viola Davis, both of whom were honored for their contributions to cinema. Chopra Jonas expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the festival’s role in uniting global narratives across cultural divisions.
The ceremony was a star-studded affair, drawing luminaries such as Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Olivia Wilde, Emily Blunt, Nick Jonas, and Eva Longoria, enhancing the festival’s glamour and appeal.
Highlighting the depth of talent, the festival honored Mahmoud Bakri with the Yusr Best Actor for his role in “To A Land Unknown,” while Mariam Sherif received the Yusr Best Actress for her performance in “Snow White.” Additionally, “Songs of Adam” by Oday Rasheed won the award for Best Screenplay.
Other notable winners included “To Kill A Mongolian Horse” by Xiaoxuan Jiang, which received the Yusr Cinematic Achievement Award; Alireza Kazemipour and Panta Mosleh’s “Hatch” took home the Golden Yusr Best Short Film; and “Alazar” by Beza Hailu Lemma was awarded the Silver Yusr Short Film.
Emerging Saudi talent was also spotlighted with Roula Dakheelallah receiving the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent for “My Driver & I,” and “State of Silence” directed by Santiago Maza earned the Asharq Best Documentary.
The Red Sea International Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for showcasing a diverse array of stories and artists, echoing the festival’s commitment to enriching the global cinematic landscape.
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