The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival is currently taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcasing a rich variety of storytelling from across the globe.
This year’s program includes over 120 films from 81 countries, with 16 entries competing in the Features Competition.
Among the premieres is the Sudanese drama My Driver and I, which delves into the relationship between a driver and a young Saudi woman he chauffeurs.
Lead actor Mustafa Shehata described the film as profoundly emotional and personal. “The film tells the story of an immigrant taxi driver and how he treats a young customer as if she were his daughter. He also has a daughter back home in Sudan and has not returned to his country for a long time,” he said.
The story follows Salma and Gamar, who differ greatly in age and culture. Over the ten years he drives her daily, they develop a strong bond. “It’s about how the girl’s parents trust him with their daughter, while the father is away with work and her mother is busy doing whatever,” Shehata explained.
Saudi Arabia is leveraging platforms like this festival to enhance its presence in the film, sports, and entertainment sectors. Since its inception in 2021, the festival has drawn major global talent.
This year’s event will host Academy Award winners Viola Davis and Spike Lee, alongside Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, cementing its growing influence on the international film stage.
However, critics argue that events like the festival are designed to shift attention away from concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
The festival continues until December 14.
