Red Sea Film Festival Reveals 2024 International Shorts Lineup, Showcasing Global Narratives

The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) today announced the line-up of twelve global shorts selected for the Red Sea: Shorts Competition, reflecting rich stories from around the world taking place in Jeddah’s historic district of Al-Balad from December 5 to 14, as part of the festival’s highly anticipated 4th edition.

The selected shorts point a lens at powerful personal journeys and immersing viewers in unforgettable narratives. The productions are made up of directors from Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Bangladesh Malaysia, and Mauritius.

Kaleem Aftab, Director of International Programming at Red Sea International Film Festival said: “Cinema is a universal language – within moments, it can transcend borders and transport viewers. This year’s international selection strives to capture a diversity of voices while addressing bold themes, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work.”

Exploring pertinent topics of identity, memory, and belonging, these films traverse various corners of the globe to shine a light on diverse perspectives. From the devastating after-effects of an oil spill off the coast of Mauritius (BLACK TIDE) to societal taboos in Malaysia (WASHHH); from gender-based violence in 1990s India (NAILS) to the heartbreak of displacement for a young Afghan refugee (HATCH); and from an unexpected journey in a remote town (ACROSS THE WATERS) to the defiant spirit of an Iranian fencer (LUNGE) and the mysterious fate of a runaway friend (SANKI YOXSAN).

This selection reflects Red Sea IFF’s mission to bring the best of underrepresented talent to thousands of film lovers and industry experts, helping to facilitate connections with stakeholders across the ecosystem. Since its inception, the Red Sea Film Festival has focussed on cultivating international partnerships, bringing together key professionals, filmmakers, and audiences from different backgrounds to celebrate a shared love of cinema. The festival has been dedicated to empowering international filmmakers through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and resources, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the global film industry.

As the new home of film, Red Sea IFF has been pivotal in platforming and championing unique stories since its launch in 2019. Last year, the festival welcomed nearly 40,000 filmgoers, screening 143 films from 66 countries across 10 days[1].

International films selected for the 2024 Red Sea: Shorts Competition at the 4th Red Sea International Film Festival are:

“ACROSS THE WATERS” directed by Viv Li (China, France)

A quirky girl in a remote Chinese mining town feels a new world open up when she listens to a passing truck-driver’s Walkman.

“ALAZAR” directed by Beza Hailu Lemma (Ethiopia)

As the land turns to dust during an endless drought, Tessema must also deal with the mysterious disappearance of his dead father’s body.

“HATCH” directed by Alireza Kazemipour, Panta Mosleh (Iran, Canada)

Afghan refugees hiding in a water truck are discovered by border guards in a terrifying story ripped straight from the headlines.

“LAI LEI” directed by Binglin Cui (China)

Lives go full circle from childhood to old age in this concise contemplation of the passage of time.

“LUNGE” directed by Negar Hassanzadeh (Iran)

A champion Iranian fencer faces a make-or-break choice when her team asks her to feign injury and withdraw from her next match.

“NAILS” directed by Triparna Banerjee (India)

Dolly was studying to be a doctor. She certainly has a way with a knife.

“NEVER HAVE I EVER” directed by Joyce A. Nashawati (Lebanon, France)

A woman wakes up bound and gagged in a car by a mysterious man. Can she escape?

“PIE DAN LO” directed by Kim YIP TONG (Mauritius)

A beautiful, animated tribute to the people who fought to defend idyllic Mauritius from a disastrous oil spill.

“RADIKALS” directed by Arvin Belarmino (Philippines, Bangladesh, US and France)

Make the wrong move at Bakte, a Filipino dance inspired by chickens, and you could end up dead.

“SANKI YOXSAN” directed by Azer Guliev (Azerbaijan, France)

On the day Samir and Leyla have agreed to run away from their disapproving families, Samir disappears.

“UREFU WE KAMBA” directed by Mageto Ndege (Kenya)

Burning down their family home releases the buried hostilities between three sisters.

 

“WASHHH” directed by Mickey Lai (Malaysia)

At a national service camp, discipline of young girls includes telling them their bodies are dirty – and punishing them for it.