The fifth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival concluded on March 7, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a glamorous awards ceremony celebrating cinematic achievements. Highlighting the event was the film “Lost Land,” directed by Akio Fujimoto, which received the prestigious Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film. This marks a significant milestone as “Lost Land” is the first feature film presented in the Rohingya language.
“Lost Land” tells the poignant story of two siblings fleeing persecution in Myanmar, embarking on a dangerous journey to reunite with their uncle in Malaysia. While presenting the award, Sean Baker, the head of the feature jury, praised the film for its “unflinching empathy and poetic urgency” in addressing the struggles of displaced children. Along with the Golden Yusr, Fujimoto’s film earned a cash prize of $100,000.
The ceremony also recognized other notable filmmakers. The Silver Yusr for Feature Film was awarded to “All That’s Left of You,” directed by Cherien Dabis, a deeply moving narrative that traces three generations of a Palestinian family grappling with displacement. Dabis described the film as “an act of resistance,” and accepted the award alongside a $30,000 prize.
Star-Studded Ceremony Celebrates Diverse Talent
The awards ceremony was attended by a host of celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, and Johnny Depp, who were among those receiving honorary awards. The event showcased the contributions of filmmakers from various backgrounds, with Juliette Binoche winning the Al Sharq Award for Best Documentary for her directorial debut, “IN-I: IN MOTION.” Though Binoche was not present at the ceremony, she expressed gratitude for the festival’s support in her new venture.
Recognizing individual performances, Seo Su-Bin received Best Actress for her role in “The World of Love,” with Olga Kurylenko commending her “remarkable depth.” Best Actor honors went to George Khabbaz for “Yunan,” with Riz Ahmed highlighting the actor’s immersive portrayal of a lived experience. In addition, the Best Director prize of $10,000 was awarded to Ameer Fakher Eldon for his work on “Yunan.”
The Best Screenplay award, accompanied by a $10,000 prize, was presented to Cyril Aris for “A Sad and Beautiful World,” a project developed in the festival’s Red Sea Labs. The Yusr for Cinematic Achievement was given to “Nighttime Sounds,” directed by Zhang Zhongchen.
Acknowledging Local and Global Stories
The festival also honored local talent with the Yusr Jury Prize and the Film AlUla Best Saudi Film Award going to Shahad Ameen for “Hijra.” Naomie Harris remarked on the film’s ability to illuminate unique narratives that often remain in the shadows, reinforcing cinema’s power to challenge societal perceptions.
In the shorts category, the Golden Yusr for Best Short Film, along with a $25,000 cash prize, was awarded to “Coyotes” by Said Zagha, while “Empty Lands” from Egyptian filmmaker Karim Eldon Elalfy received the Silver Yusr and a $12,500 prize. “Jeem 1983” by Jorj Abou Mhaya also received a Special Mention.
The Red Sea Film Festival continues to provide a platform for diverse voices in cinema, celebrating stories that resonate on both a local and global scale. As filmmakers from around the world share their experiences, the festival remains a vital space for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.
