The fifth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival concluded on March 7, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a vibrant awards ceremony celebrating cinematic achievements. Among the standout winners, Akio Fujimoto’s film, “Lost Land,” was honored with the festival’s highest accolade, the Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film. This groundbreaking work is notable for being the first feature film in the Rohingya language, poignantly depicting the harrowing journey of two siblings escaping persecution in Myanmar to reunite with their uncle in Malaysia.
The ceremony featured prestigious honorary awards presented to acclaimed actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Darren Aronofsky, and Saudi director Ahd Kamel for her film “My Driver and I.” Stars like Johnny Depp and Shailene Woodley graced the event, highlighting the festival’s draw in the international film community.
Presenting the Golden Yusr to Fujimoto, jury head Sean Baker emphasized the film’s profound emotional impact, stating it “confronts the plight of displaced children with unflinching empathy and poetic urgency.” The award came with a substantial cash prize of $100,000, reflecting the festival’s commitment to recognizing significant storytelling.
Additional Honors and Recognitions
Following closely, the Silver Yusr for Feature Film was awarded to Cherien Dabis for “All That’s Left of You.” Jurors praised the film for its exceptional portrayal of shared humanity, describing it as “a deeply life-affirming film that moved us profoundly.” Dabis, accepting the award, articulated that the film’s very existence represents “an act of resistance,” and she received a prize of $30,000.
The competition was fierce, as Baker noted that the films showcased themes that felt “urgent and resonant.” In a notable achievement, Juliette Binoche received the Al Sharq Award for Best Documentary for “IN-I: IN MOTION,” which marked her debut as a director. Although Binoche could not attend the closing ceremony, she expressed gratitude for the festival’s support in her new venture.
The awards also recognized acting talents, with Seo Su-Bin winning Best Actress for “The World of Love.” Jury member Olga Kurylenko highlighted Su-Bin’s “remarkable depth” that left the panel deeply moved. George Khabbaz took home Best Actor for “Yunan,” with Riz Ahmed commending his ability to “dig deep to inhabit a lived experience.” The film also earned the Best Director prize of $10,000 for Ameer Fakher Eldon.
In the screenplay category, Cyril Aris was awarded Best Screenplay for “A Sad and Beautiful World,” a project developed through the festival’s Red Sea Labs, which also came with a $10,000 prize. Zhang Zhongchen‘s “Nighttime Sounds” received the Yusr for Cinematic Achievement, showcasing the diverse range of talent celebrated at the festival.
Short Film Awards and Special Mentions
The short film segment showcased emerging talents, with the Golden Yusr for Best Short Film awarded to “Coyotes” by Said Zagha, accompanied by a prize of $25,000. The Silver Yusr in this category went to “Empty Lands” from Egyptian filmmaker Karim Eldon Elalfy, which included a cash award of $12,500. Jorj Abou Mhaya’s “Jeem 1983” received a Special Mention, adding to the accolades of the festival.
The Red Sea Film Festival has established itself as a vital platform for storytelling, highlighting diverse narratives and fostering artistic collaboration across borders. It serves not only to celebrate achievements in cinema but also to reflect on universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences around the globe.
