The Red Sea International Film Festival is returning to Jeddah for a much-awaited sixth edition that brings together a celebrity-packed lineup of filmmakers and industry experts.
Running from December 3-12, 2026, the world-renowned festival will take place at the Culture Square in Historic Jeddah (Al Balad).
The event is expected to draw superstars from around the globe. Last year’s edition saw the participation of big names such as Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, Adrien Brody, Ana de Armas, Dakota Johnson, and Rita Ora.
Screening films from Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the world, the Red Sea International Film Festival offers an extraordinary platform for cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers and industry professionals to connect and exchange expertise. It also supports emerging talents with masterclasses designed to hone their skills.
Based on the previous edition, the festival’s main categories involve the Red Sea: Competition and Red Sea: Shorts Competition, where diverse works compete for the prestigious Yusr Awards.
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The 6th edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival at Culture Square in Historic Jeddah, from December 3 to 12, 2026.#RedSeaIFF26 #RedSeaIFF pic.twitter.com/OYO2MkU2ll
— RedSeaFilm (@RedSeaFilm) April 15, 2026
A major highlight remains the New Saudi Cinema category, a dedicated showcase for local artists that acts as a vital springboard for the Kingdom’s flourishing film industry on the global stage.
Moreover, the festival features curated programs like International Spectacular and Arab Spectacular, which bring world-renowned auteurs and regional commercial hits to Saudi audiences.
For those looking at the future of the industry, the Red Sea: New Vision and Red Sea: Series sections spotlight experimental storytelling and episodic works, while Red Sea: Treasures celebrates cinematic history through restored classics.
This comprehensive range of categories ensures that the festival serves as both a glamorous red-carpet event and a rigorous industry hub for the next generation of filmmakers.
