Women filmmakers celebrated at Red Sea Festival in Jeddah.
THE FILM industry, traditionally dominated by men, is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
Female filmmakers, writers, directors, and actors are increasingly making their voices heard.
In honour of these female contributions to the global film industry, the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) hosted its 7th Women In Cinema Gala on Friday, 6 December.
The event aimed to highlight the accomplishments of women on and behind the camera who are shaping the film industry and inspiring a new generation in the Arab World, Africa, and Asia.
Celebrated Tunisian Egyptian actor and producer Hend Sabri hosted the gala.
Festival attendees gathered to celebrate female directors from the festival’s programme and iconic women in film from around the world.
The Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Jomana Al-Rashid, delivered a welcoming address.
She congratulated the seven female directors competing at the festival: Denise Fernandes with Hanami, Kurdwin Ayub with Moon, Maram Taibah with Malika, Reema Kagti with Superboys of Malageon, Roya Sadat with Sima’s Song, Taghrid Abouelhassan with Snow White, and Xiaoxuan Jiang with To Kill A Mongolian Horse.
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh and award-winning actor and producer Eva Longoria delivered speeches recognising the Red Sea Film Foundation’s efforts to advance women’s careers in film, especially in the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
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Eva Longoria said she was delighted to attend the festival for the first time.
“By empowering the next generation, you are bringing fresh, needed voices and dynamic storytellers to the forefront. I always say that women aren’t a special interest group. We are half the world’s population.
“Our stories should be told, seen, and heard. This festival is more than just a showcase of films—it’s a platform that creates opportunities for women to lead and shape those stories,” she said.
Jomana Al-Rashid expressed it was an honour to host so many trailblazing women and celebrate their drive, self-belief, and artistry.
“The ethos of championing women in this industry has been woven into the activity of our Foundation since day one—from our leadership team and the filmmakers we support to the stories they tell. Celebrating and spotlighting women’s voices has been a primary focus for all of us. We’re looking forward to continuing to champion these voices across our festival this year,” she said.
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