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The Red Sea International Film Festival unveils its "Global Selections" list for its fourth edition in 2024

The Red Sea International Film Festival has revealed its "Global Selections" list for its fourth edition this year, a list of 12 films

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The Red Sea International Film Festival has unveiled its "Global Selections" list for its fourth edition this year, a selection of 12 films carefully chosen by the festival team over the past few months. These films have garnered praise from both audiences and critics for their artistic quality and compelling narratives. They will be screened during the festival's fourth edition, scheduled to take place from December 5 to 14, 2024.

The “Global Selections” program is designed to promote cultural diversity by showcasing award-winning films from different regions and backgrounds. The curated selection aims to foster dialogue and understanding between diverse audiences through the universal language of cinema. It celebrates emerging filmmakers and unique perspectives, highlights innovative storytelling techniques and fresh narratives, and encourages the exploration of underrepresented themes and voices in film.

Red Sea International Film Festival International Programme Director Kaleem Aftab said: “This year’s selections continue to demonstrate our commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives during the festival. These films explore a range of real and human themes, from contemporary social issues to relationships and the search for meaning in an increasingly complex and chaotic world.”.

This year's selection represents a diverse range of countries and regions, with a strong presence from Europe and Africa, and a notable presence of films from the Arab world, including the surreal film "Agora," directed by Alaa El-Din Selim, which won the Pardo Verde Award at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, and a story about the vulnerabilities of those afflicted by tyranny in the face of youthful vision (East 12, directed by Hala El-Koussy), which screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Also included is the story of a lost wedding dress, starring Yasmin Raeis and Asmaa Galal in "The White Dress," directed by Gilan Awf.

Other stories on the list range from a sunny afternoon at a beloved playground that is decided to be demolished (Evos, winner of the Best Screenplay award at the Silk Road International Film Festival, directed by Carson Lund), to an unlikely love story that blossoms in a post-apocalyptic future (You Are the Universe, directed by Pavlo Ostrikof) and a courageous tale of crime and morality set in a Tamil community in France (Little Jaffna, directed by Laurence Valin). These films showcase the beauty of contrast in cinema, while evoking a sense of intimacy through shared human experiences that transcend geographical boundaries.

“Global Choices” also celebrates distinctive directorial ideas, with Santosh (directed by Sandhya Suri) offering a powerful perspective on gender identity, duties, and justice within India’s complex social fabric.

The "World Choice" selection included films that achieved notable success at international film festivals, such as "The Legend of the Bohemian Queen of Lagos," which follows a young, impoverished mother confronting bullies in Lagos. Also featured was "Freedom Way," set in Lagos, which explores a fledgling ride-sharing app and the challenges faced by its founders. Both films had already made their mark at the Toronto International Film Festival. Meanwhile, Joan Ho's "Black Dog" won the Un Certain Regard award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film tells the story of a troubled ex-convict who forms a transformative bond with a stray dog. Sarah Freedland's "Familiar Touch" garnered widespread critical and audience acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, the Villa Medici Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival, winning the Orizzonti Award and the Lion of the Future Award for Best First Feature and Best Director.

Antoine Khalife, director of the Arab and Classical Film Program at the Red Sea International Film Festival, commented: “This year’s international selection celebrates the most beautiful expression of intercultural dialogue, which we support at the festival. Based on rich narratives and even richer perspectives, these are the films that stay with the viewer long after the curtain falls. They all tell important stories and tales of resilience, identity, and universal truth. We invite everyone to see these stories for themselves and choose from diverse viewpoints from around the world.”.

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Culture and Art

The truth about Abla Kamel's illness and retirement: Ashraf Zaki settles the debate

Ashraf Zaki reveals the truth about Abla Kamel's serious illness, and explains the reasons for her refusal of the honor and her insistence on retiring and staying away from the limelight, denying rumors of her exorbitant salary.

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Ashraf Zaki reveals the truth about Abla Kamel's illness and her retirement from acting

Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors Syndicate in Egypt, put an end to the widespread controversy that recently arose regarding the health condition of the veteran artist Abla Kamel, and the truth about her final retirement from art, in televised statements that put an end to the rumors circulating on social media platforms.

The truth about Abla Kamel's serious illness

In a decisive response to reports claiming that actress Abla Kamel's health had deteriorated and that she was suffering from a serious illness, the head of the Actors' Syndicate categorically denied these rumors. Zaki emphasized that he knew nothing about these claims, stressing that her recent appearance in a Ramadan advertisement was clear evidence of her stable health, as she appeared to be in good health, reassuring her large fan base in Egypt and the Arab world.

Insistence on distancing oneself and refusal to return

Regarding her return to the art scene, Ashraf Zaki revealed details of his ongoing communication with the "Queen of Spontaneity," explaining that he tried to persuade her to reconsider her decision to step away from the spotlight on more than one occasion, but she met these attempts with firm refusal. He indicated that Abla Kamel currently prefers to enjoy her private life away from the limelight and cameras, adhering to her decision to remain in the shadows after a career brimming with contributions.

A noble stance: refusing honors and financial support

In a related context, the head of the syndicate revealed a poignant aspect of the renowned artist's character, explaining that she declined all official honors at art festivals. She also categorically refused any form of financial or medical support, whether from the syndicate or other entities, affirming her conviction that her income should be solely the product of her own efforts—a stance that further enhances the public's respect for her.

Clarification regarding Ramadan advertising fees

Zaki addressed the astronomical figures circulating regarding her fee for the recent advertisement, denying the accuracy of those exaggerated sums. He emphasized that her participation involved minimal effort and was compensated fairly, contrary to what some pages had claimed, thus confirming that she prioritizes preserving her artistic integrity over financial gain.

An enduring artistic career and an indelible influence

The public's interest in news about Abla Kamel stems from her exceptional place in the history of Egyptian drama. She left an indelible mark through iconic roles, most notably her portrayal of Fatima Koshary in the series "I Will Not Live in My Father's Robe," her role in "Raya and Sakina," and the "Silsal El Dam" series. Despite her absence from the screen, Abla Kamel remains a powerful presence in popular culture and across social media platforms, where her facial expressions and lines of dialogue have become "icons" shared by the younger generation, reflecting an artistic influence that transcends mere physical presence on screen.

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Culture and Art

Al-Nahda Association revives the heritage of Al-Hawama on its founding day

In a heritage atmosphere, the Renaissance Association revived the popular Hawama heritage coinciding with the founding day, with broad community participation to promote national identity and support productive families.

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Al-Nahda Association revives the heritage of Al-Hawama on its founding day

In a cultural scene reflecting the depth of belonging to the roots, and coinciding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s celebrations of its precious national occasions, the Renaissance Association revived the old Najdi folk heritage known as “Al-Hawamah,” in a huge celebration that blended the authenticity of the past with the aspirations of the future, aiming to instill the values ​​of national identity in the hearts of the emerging generations.

Al-Hawamah: A Window into the History of Fathers and Grandfathers

“Al-Hawamah” is one of the most prominent traditional social customs in the Najd region of central Saudi Arabia. It was a festive ritual preceding Eid, during which children would roam the alleyways of old neighborhoods chanting special songs, asking their neighbors for sweets and simple gifts. This tradition is not merely a recreational activity; it carries profound social significance, strengthening neighborly bonds and social solidarity. This is what Al-Nahda Association sought to revive through this event, introducing the new generation to the simple yet value-filled lives of their ancestors.

Linking the present to the past on the founding day

The CEO of Al-Nahda Association, Muzna Al-Omair, explained that reviving the "Hawamah" festival this year coincided with the celebration of the association's founding day, stemming from its firm belief in the importance of taking pride in Saudi history and authentic cultural identity. Al-Omair noted that the association makes it a point to provide a range of community services annually, as the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid holidays approach, starting with providing Eid clothing and culminating in activities that bring joy to children. She emphasized that "Hawamah" has returned to serve as a bridge connecting children to their history.

Heritage events and economic empowerment

The event did not stop at chanting, but transformed the association's halls into a vibrant heritage square, which included:

  • Traditional games: such as the game of “tug of war”, which brought back the physical enthusiasm of children away from electronic games.
  • The storyteller's corner: where stories from the Saudi heritage were narrated to reinforce noble values.
  • The Good Old Shop: which showcased sweets and old products, along with handicrafts such as henna engraving and Sadu weaving.

In the context of economic empowerment, the association allocated spaces for beneficiaries to display their products. Dr. Muzna emphasized that supporting productive families and giving them the opportunity to showcase the quality of their work is a fundamental pillar in the association’s strategy to move towards self-reliance, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Effective community partnership

The event witnessed remarkable community solidarity, as the association appreciated the efforts of its partners in success, including Kudu Restaurant and Tim Hortons for providing food support, in addition to the outstanding voluntary participation of students from Oasis of Knowledge Schools in operating the heritage corners, and members of the Student Club “Kas” from Alfaisal University, who contributed their efforts in organizing the event and bringing joy to the hearts of visitors, reflecting the spirit of social responsibility among institutions and Saudi youth.

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Culture and Art

Ulfa Imam reveals the truth: A financial crisis forced me to rent out my house

Artist Ulfa Imam recounts the details of a severe financial crisis that forced her to rent out her house and move between relatives' homes, and how she overcame this ordeal with resilience and financial planning.

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Ulfa Imam reveals the truth: A financial crisis forced me to rent out my house

In bold and moving statements that revealed the hidden side of celebrity life, the esteemed Egyptian artist Ulfa Imam about one of the most difficult periods she went through in her personal life, stressing that fame and the spotlight do not always protect the artist from the treachery of time and economic fluctuations.

Details of the devastating financial crisis

During her appearance on the program "Between the Lines," which airs on TEN TV, Olfa Imam opened up to the audience, recounting a period of severe financial hardship she had faced. The actress explained that circumstances forced her to make difficult decisions to maintain her financial stability, most notably renting out her home to generate cash flow and a steady income to meet her living expenses.

And it didn't stop there, but she revealed that during that period she was forced to live an unstable life, as she moved between the homes of her relatives on a temporary basis, in a scene that reflects the magnitude of the challenges that an artist may face away from the camera lenses.

An artistic journey and the challenges of reality

These statements shed light on the artistic career of actress Ulfa Imam, a familiar and beloved face to Egyptian and Arab audiences. She has participated in numerous television and film productions that have shaped viewers' sensibilities, most notably her roles in the series "Raafat El-Haggan" and "Wanis," among others, where she distinguished herself with her sincere performances. However, this illustrious career has not shielded her from the hardships of daily life, reigniting the debate about the financial stability of those working in the arts, particularly given the irregularity of television seasons and the disparity in wages.

The other side of celebrity life

Alifa Imam's admission of these details is a rare act of courage in an environment that often tends to project an image of absolute luxury. This event underscores the importance of highlighting the human side of artists, who face the same economic and social crises as any ordinary citizen. This story serves as an important message to the public that artistic life is not always a bed of roses, and that there are periods of stagnation that can disrupt an artist's stability and force them to sacrifice personal comfort in order to survive.

Lessons learned and personal resilience

Regarding the impact of this experience on her, Ulfa Imam affirmed that the ordeal transformed into a blessing that refined her character. In a television interview, she said, "This period honed my personality and made me more resilient and self-reliant," noting that difficult experiences are what truly build a person and teach them how to bear responsibility.

She concluded by offering indirect advice to everyone, saying, "I learned from that experience the importance of financial planning and self-reliance, and that every difficult phase a person goes through gives them strength and determination to face future challenges." These words confirm that the artist was able to overcome the crisis with a strong spirit, transforming financial hardship into a moral victory and an invaluable life experience.

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