The long-awaited Red Sea Film Festival 2021 has finally kicked off! After years of being put on hold, the event held in Jeddah has just seen its star-studded opening ceremony, which has been flooding our social media feeds (FYI.)
Celebrities from all around the world have come together to celebrate film culture in the heart of Saudi Arabia. From Victoria’s Secret angels Candice Swanepoel and Sara Sampaio to major Egyptian actresses Youssra and Hend Sabry, the Red Sea Film Festival 2021’s red carpet guests were beyond impressive.
Although glitz and glam are some of the highlights of the Red Sea Film Festival 2021, the red carpet films are the ones to watch (literally.) The inaugural event will be playing fan favourites, old classics, and this year’s short film competitors throughout the 10-day experience. And we’re paying attention to the female directors that should be on *all* your radars.
Scroll down to check out our list of movies by inspiring female directors from the Red Sea Film Festival 2021.
Farha by Darin J. Salam
‘Farha‘ follows the story of a 14-year-old Palestinian girl in 1948 ‘whose dream changes from seeking education in the city to survival’ as she watches her people become displaced.
Yuni by Kamila Andini
Similar to ‘Farha‘, ‘Yuni‘ follows the story of a young Indonesian girl who wishes to break society’s stereotypes and not marry, but instead pursue her education more seriously.
Seeking Aline by Rokhaya Marieme Balde
Senegalese director Rokhaya’s documentary ‘Seeking Aline‘ shows the young filmmaker returning home to create a film surrounding a local historical figure.
Children’s Game by Rim Mejdi
This Moroccan movie directed by Rim Mejdi is a drama that will shake you. Eleven-year-old Kamilia isn’t afraid of anyone, up until she encounters a traumatic experience one day. You’ll see how Kamilia refuses to succumb to darkness, despite her harsh reality.
What Remained by Rogina Bassaly
This film is an ode to the golden age of Egyptian cinema and shows the story of the “Cinderella of Egyptian cinema,” Souad Hosny’s, seamstress. A love story between a Middle Eastern couple who have to break up due to religion. It truly is a classic from the Red Sea Film Festival 2021.
A Tale of Love and Desire by Leyla Bouzid
Leyla’s film is an ode to literature, poetry, exile and portrays the fear of opening up to love. ‘A Tale of Love and Desire‘ follows a Parisian man and a Tunisian girl who are falling for each other, despite their cultural differences.
Wadjda by Haifaa Al Mansour
We all know acclaimed Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour for her film ‘The Perfect Candidate,’ but one of her older releases ‘Wadjda’ from 2012 will be presented at the Red Sea Film Festival 2021.
This movie tells the story of twelve-year-old Wadjda who wears jeans under her abaya and listens to rock music at home. Despite women not being allowed to ride bikes at the time in Saudi Arabia, Wadjda wins money from a Quranic recitation competition to buy one.