Red Sea International Film Festival (RedSeaIFF) Opens Call for Submissions

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RedSeaIFF) is now accepting submissions for  its fifth edition which will take place December 4-13, 2025, at its headquarters in Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, with a particular focus on works from Arab, Asian, and African filmmakers worldwide.

Since its 2019 launch, the RedSeaIFF has established itself as Saudi Arabia’s premier international cinema platform, celebrating film excellence while showcasing the creative energy of Jeddah, the Kingdom, and the broader Arab region.

Several acclaimed Nigerian productions featured prominently at previous festivals, including Afolabi Olalekan and Blessing Uzzi’s “Freedom Way” which later won Best Writing and Best Film categories at the 2025 African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), as well as  “The Legend of the Vagabond Queens of Lagos” by the Agbajowo Collective, which also won Best Cinematography at the AMVCA.

Morad Mostafa’s “Aisha Can’t Fly,” which will compete in the Un Certain Regard section at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, was another notable screening that bridged African cinema with global audiences.

The festival continues to expand its industry offerings through the Red Sea Souk, an international film market running concurrently with the main event. This platform facilitates networking and business opportunities while showcasing emerging projects, works-in-progress, and fresh talent to regional and international decision-makers. With comprehensive programs spanning retrospectives, restored classics, experimental works, and anticipated blockbusters, the 2025 edition promises ten days of diverse cinematic experiences. Industry participants will also benefit from the festival’s developmental initiatives including the Red Sea Labs and Red Sea Fund.

Film submissions across all genres are now being accepted through the festival’s official website as the submission window closes August 17.