The eagerly anticipated Red Sea international Film Festival returns on December 5 – 14, 2024, and has just announced its Festival Favourites – a curated collection of twelve standout films that have won over both the fans and critics.
The Festival Favourites program is a celebration of cultural diversity, highlighting award winning films from every corner of the planet. This year’s selection is a testament to innovative storytelling, magnetic cinematography, and fresh perspectives that push the boundaries of filmmaking.
“This year’s selection continues to demonstrate our commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives during the festival,” said Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming for the Red Sea International Film 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.”
See the full program below:
“AGORA” directed by Ala Eddine Slim
Tunisia, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
In a faraway town, missing people return under inexplicable circumstances. An investigation is launched, led by local police inspector Fathi, assisted by his doctor friend Amine. Things get complicated and reinforcements are sent from the capital to solve the case.
“BLACK DOG” directed by Guan Hu
China
In a bleak, crumbling Chinese town due for demolition, a damaged ex-convict develops a transformative bond with a stray dog.
“EAST OF NOON” directed by Hala Elkoussy
Egypt, Netherlands, Qatar
A fable about musician Abdo, who rebels against his elders, seeking freedom through his art in a confined world outside of time.
“EEPHUS” directed by Carson Lund
United States of America (USA), France
A group of out-of-shape middle-aged men meet for their weekly baseball game for the last time; in more ways than one, it is the end of an era.
“FAMILIAR TOUCH” directed by Sarah Friedland
United States of America (USA)
Arriving at an aged care facility, Ruth thinks she is in a fancy hotel on a date – with a man who is actually her son. Gradually, she reconciles herself to the life she has now.
“FREEDOM WAY” directed by Afolabi Olalekan
Nigeria
A ride-sharing app is exactly what chaotic Lagos needs, but both the young engineers who set it up and the customers who depend on it have to deal with corruption, police violence and extortion.
“THE INEVITABLE JOURNEY TO FIND A WEDDING DRESS” directed by Jaylan Auf
Egypt
Warda’s frantic search for a wedding dress on the eve of the ceremony becomes a journey of self-discovery challenging her relationship with Cairo and herself.
“THE LEGEND OF THE VAGABOND QUEEN OF LAGOS” directed by Bisola Akinmuyiwa, Atinkpo Elijah, Tina Edukpo, Samuel Okechukwu, Temitope Ogungbamila, Mathew Cerf
Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, United States of America (USA)
A poor young mother, filled with an ancient warrior spirit, faces down the bullies and bulldozers coming to destroy Lagos’s waterside communities.
“LITTLE JAFFNA” directed by Lawrence Valin
France
A police officer sent to infiltrate Tamil gangs in Paris starts to wonder whose side he is really on.
“QUIET LIFE” directed by Alexandros Avranas
France, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Greece, Finland
A mysterious illness strikes down the youngest child of refugees after their application for political asylum in Sweden is turned down.
“SANTOSH” directed by Sandhya Suri
United Kingdom, Germany, France
A rookie Indian female police officer falls under the influence of an older woman mentor, an expect in using the force’s brutal methods.
“U ARE THE UNIVERSE” directed by Pavlo Ostrikov
Ukraine, Belgium
Where were you when the Earth exploded? Out in space, desperately seeking a friend on the other side of the solar system.
Read more about the upcoming 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival here.