The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) announced its 2024 Festival Favorites lineup, featuring 12 standout films that exemplify global perspectives and innovative storytelling. This selection highlights the festival’s commitment to cultural diversity, showcasing award-winning films that have captivated audiences and critics alike.

“These films explore a range of real, human themes – from contemporary social issues to relationships and the search for meaning in an increasingly complex and chaotic world,” Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming for the Red Sea IFF, tells SceneNowSaudi.

Hosted in Jeddah, the Festival Favorites program aims to promote diverse voices and narratives with this year’s notable titles including films from Africa and the Arab world…

AGORA

Directed by Ala Eddine Slim
Tunisia, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar

In a remote town, people start to mysteriously return after vanishing. Local inspector Fathi and his doctor friend Amine embark on an investigation, but as complications arise, reinforcements are brought in from the capital.

BLACK DOG

Directed by Guan Hu
China

In a dilapidated Chinese town marked for demolition, a troubled ex-convict forms a life-changing bond with a stray dog, offering a glimpse of hope amidst despair.

EAST OF NOON

Directed by Hala Elkoussy
Egypt, The Netherlands, Qatar

The fable follows musician Abdo as he rebels against his elders, striving for artistic freedom in a restrictive world.

EEPHUS

Directed by Carson Lund
USA, France

A group of out-of-shape middle-aged men gathers for their final baseball game, marking the end of an era both on and off the field.

FAMILIAR TOUCH

Directed by Sarah Friedland
USA

Ruth arrives at an elder care facility, mistaking it for a luxury hotel and her son for a date. As reality sets in, she begins to come to terms with her new life.

FREEDOM WAY

Directed by Afolabi Olalekan
Nigeria

In the bustling chaos of Lagos, a new ride-sharing app brings hope, but the young engineers and their users must navigate challenges like corruption, police brutality, and extortion.

THE INEVITABLE JOURNEY TO FIND A WEDDING DRESS

Directed by Jaylan Auf
Egypt

On the eve of her wedding, Warda’s frantic quest for the perfect dress turns into a profound journey of self-discovery, challenging her ties to Cairo and her identity.

THE LEGEND OF THE VAGABOND QUEEN OF LAGOS

Directed by Bisola Akinmuyiwa, Atinkpo Elijah, Tina Edukpo, Samuel Okechukwu, Temitope Ogungbamila, Mathew Cerf
Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, USA

A determined young mother, embodying the spirit of a warrior, confronts threats to her community in Lagos as she stands against the forces trying to destroy her home.

LITTLE JAFFNA

Directed by Lawrence Valin
France

Tasked with infiltrating Tamil gangs in Paris, a police officer begins to question his loyalties and where he truly belongs.

QUIET LIFE

Directed by Alexandros Avranas
France, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Greece, Finland

After their asylum request is denied, a mysterious illness afflicts the youngest child of a refugee family, complicating their struggles in a foreign land.

SANTOSH

Directed by Sandhya Suri
United Kingdom, Germany, France

A rookie female police officer in India becomes influenced by a seasoned mentor, who embodies the force's harsh methods and ethics.

U ARE THE UNIVERSE

Directed by Pavlo Ostrikov
Ukraine, Belgium

In the aftermath of Earth’s explosion, a lone traveller in space searches desperately for a friend across the solar system’s vast expanse.

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