The Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 opened in Jeddah on Friday with an impressive display of global talent. Filmmakers, actors, producers, and cultural leaders from around the world walked the red carpet, marking the beginning of another vibrant edition of the festival. Known for its diverse programming, the event has become a major meeting point for Eastern and Western cinematic communities.
This year’s Red Sea International Film Festival introduced a new cultural highlight for South Asia. For the first time, a dedicated Pakistani cultural stall was featured at the venue. The initiative was led by Nosheen Wasim, a Pakistani-origin Saudi organiser celebrated for her cultural work across the Kingdom. The stall presents elements of Pakistan’s artistic heritage and gives emerging filmmakers a chance to reach global audiences.
Nosheen Wasim said the festival continues to promote inclusivity and cultural dialogue. She added that the Pakistani showcase “brings new colours and vibrancy to the festival’s global cultural tapestry.” Her efforts were widely appreciated by international visitors and festival organisers.
Pakistan’s presence on the red carpet was strong. Actress Atiqa Odho, veteran artist Tauseeq Haider, filmmaker and actor Shehzad Nawaz, and media personality Nosheen Wasim represented the country. Their participation highlighted the growing influence of Pakistani creatives within international cinema circles.
The opening ceremony drew a large crowd of international celebrities. Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended the event and spoke about women’s empowerment and the rising voice of female artists in cinema. Hollywood actors and global icons, including Adrien Brody, Jessica Alba, Nina Dobrev, Vin Diesel, and Michael Caine, were also present, adding star power to the evening.
The 2025 edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival stands out for its cultural diversity, strong global participation, and renewed focus on artistic exchange. With Pakistan’s first-ever cultural showcase and a star-studded guest list, the festival continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between cinematic worlds from East and West.
In other news read more about: Pakistani Film ‘Ghost School’ Selected for Red Sea International Film Festival 2025
