Sean Baker: "Honoured to Continue Spike Lee’s at Red Sea Film"

The Red Sea International Film Festival has named Oscar-winning director Sean Baker, of ‘Anora’ (2024), ‘The Florida Project’ (2017), as President of the Feature Film Jury for its fifth edition, running from December 4th to 13th in historic Jeddah.

Baker, a leading figure in independent cinema, made waves with “Tangerine” (2015), shot entirely on an iPhone, and earned global acclaim for “The Florida Project” (2017) and his latest, “Anora” (2024), which won five Oscars including Best Film and Best Director. He is known for his signature blend of intimate storytelling and social realism, as well as his support for indie cinema and arthouse theaters worldwide.

"I am honored to chair the Feature Film Jury at the Red Sea International Film Festival this year, continuing the legacy begun by director Spike Lee," says Baker. "I long admire the way this festival celebrates bold and diverse cinematic voices from around the world."

Faisal Al-Tayour, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, called Baker “a pioneering filmmaker whose commitment to authentic storytelling pushes cinematic boundaries.” Baker added that he looks forward to celebrating bold, emerging voices and connecting independent films with a global audience. The festival’s Feature Film Competition showcases 16 films from Asia, Africa, and the