Lotfi Achour’s “Red Path” Triumphs at Red Sea International Film Festival with Top Honors

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 … Read more

Katia Jarjoura’s ‘Robbing Beirut’ Wins Top Prize at Red Sea Souk Amid High Stakes Stories from Global Filmmakers

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – At the prestigious Red Sea International Film Festival, Lebanese Canadian director Katia Jarjoura’s “Robbing Beirut” clinched the top distinction in the Red Sea Souk project market, winning $75,000 for its compelling in-development narrative that mirrors Lebanon’s economic turmoil. The Red Sea Souk showcased a diverse array of 31 feature films and seven series projects, reflecting a rich tapestry of global cinematic potential. “Robbing Beirut” tells the gripping tale of a woman compelled to rob a bank after being denied access to her own $30,000 savings, which she desperately needs for her … Read more

Spike Lee Sets Sights on Unearthing Cinematic Gems as Jury President at Red Sea Film Festival

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee has brought his quest for fresh storytelling to Saudi Arabia, where he leads the jury at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Lee, known for his incisive and provocative films, is seeking standout narratives from a diverse selection of 16 features crafted by directors from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa. Upon his arrival in Jeddah, the Oscar-winning director expressed his enthusiasm for evaluating films without any preconceived notions about the filmmakers. He highlighted the rarity of encountering films in such an unbiased frame of mind, which … Read more

Colorado’s Red Flag Law Insights: 39% Effective Rate, Reveals Notable Differences Across Sanctuaries and Non-Sanctuaries

DENVER, Colo. — Colorado’s red flag law, known officially as the Deputy Zackari Parrish Violence Prevention Act, has resulted in 39% of petitions leading to firearm relinquishments since its implementation in 2020. This law permits certain individuals, including law enforcement and family members, to seek extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) against those judged to be a danger to themselves or others. Introduced in response to growing concerns about gun violence and mental health crises, the law has seen significant use over the past three years, according to a study published in Preventive Medicine Reports. From … Read more