The highly anticipated Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has unveiled an exciting lineup for this year’s Treasures strand, highlighting a selection of “timeless classics.” Among the featured films is the iconic crime thriller Heat, directed by the renowned Michael Mann, which boasts a stellar cast including cinematic legends Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, and Val Kilmer. This gripping narrative promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
In addition to Heat, organizers have announced that the festival will also screen “three meticulously restored works in collaboration with Egyptian Media Production City,” emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of the Arab cinema industry. This initiative aims to reignite appreciation for classic films among contemporary audiences.
The film Heat “redefined the genre with its intricate narrative and electrifying performances by Robert De Niro and Al Pacino,” as noted by festival organizers, who acknowledge the film’s groundbreaking impact on the crime thriller landscape. Its intricate plot and dynamic character interactions have cemented its status as one of the finest in cinematic history.
The festival also honors Egypt’s illustrious cinematic legacy with Hussein Fawzi’s Bread and Salt, the highly regarded Smile the Photo Comes Out Better—which features the RSIFF honoree and beloved Egyptian film star Mona Zaki and is directed by Sherif Arafa—and Ali Badrakhan’s Shafika and Metwali. These selections were personally curated by Mona Zaki herself, showcasing the continuing evolution of Egyptian cinema alongside its historical significance. Organizers highlighted that this tribute honors the substantial influence of Egyptian filmmakers, while also threading in new narratives and voices, reflected throughout various programming strands of the festival.
Antoine Khalife, the director of Arab Program and Film Classics, passionately expressed: “In keeping with our focus on Egyptian cinema throughout our programming this year, we’re particularly proud to be showcasing a selection of Egyptian masterpieces in our Treasures strand that showcase the incredible history of film from this country.” Khalife emphasized the crucial role that female producers and actresses have played in shaping Egyptian cinema, as evidenced in these three restored films, featuring legendary stars like Naima Akef, Souad Hosny, Mona Zaki, and Laila Eloui in exceptional roles crafted by some of the most celebrated filmmakers of their time.
He also remarked on the significance of featuring Heat: “Then to have Heat, one of the greatest police thrillers of all time, continue our efforts to show Saudi audiences all-time classics on the big screen, the way directors intended.” This dedication to showcasing cinematic masterpieces reinforces the festival’s commitment to elevating film culture in the region.
Here is the lineup of the 2024 RSIFF Treasures program:
Hussein Fawzi
The film Bread and Salt explores the life of Buthaina and Saber, who inhabit a neighborhood steeped in tradition. When Buthaina leaves to work for Bahjat Bey, her eventual return after her father’s passing leads her to confront the changes and challenges in her life. As Haji Bhansi tries to guide her, Buthaina’s choices lead her down a path divergent from her upbringing, ultimately drawing her into dangerous territory as she grapples with her love for Saber and his disapproval of her decisions.
HEAT
Michael Mann
This powerful film revolves around an obsessive Los Angeles detective who is relentless in his pursuit of a ruthless thief. The lines blur as the story challenges the duo’s similarities despite their opposing roles in the crime-ridden world, raising the question: are they truly that different?
SMILE THE PHOTO COMES OUT BETTER
Sherif Arafa
Sayed Gharib, a dedicated photographer, makes the significant move from his hometown to Cairo for a fresh start and to be closer to Qasr Al-Aini Medical School, where his ambitious daughter Tahani has enrolled. As she navigates the complexities of university life, Tahani faces conflicts with the aristocratic society around her, which only intensifies when she embarks on a romantic relationship with Tarek Ezz El-Din, the heir to a powerful family business.
SHAFIKA AND METWALI
Ali Badrakhan
In a gripping tale of familial duty and societal pressures, Metwalli returns from work on the Suez Canal to discover his sister embroiled in a scandal, caught in an illicit affair with the son of the local district chief. This shocking revelation sets off a chain of events that unfolds the struggle between personal loyalties and societal expectations.
The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival is set to captivate audiences in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, running from December 5 to 4, 2024.
This year’s festival receives robust support from principal sponsors such as Visit Saudi, MBC, and Genesis Mohamad Yusuf AlNaghi; along with official sponsors, including Film AlUla, SRMG, Chopard, SAUDIA, and TikTok. Additionally, strategic sponsors of the Red Sea Souk are NEOM and the Cultural Development Fund, with support from Nova, Mermaid, and Telfaz helping to amplify this significant cultural event.
What are the main goals of the Red Sea International Film Festival in showcasing classic films like *Heat* and Egyptian cinema?
**Interview with Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Program and Film Classics at the Red Sea International Film Festival**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Antoine. The unveiling of the Treasures strand at this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival has generated a lot of excitement, particularly with the inclusion of *Heat*. What does featuring such a legendary film mean for the festival?
**Antoine Khalife:** Thank you for having me! Including *Heat* in our lineup is immensely significant. Michael Mann’s film is heralded as one of the greatest police thrillers of all time, and it not only redefined the genre with its intricate narrative but also with its stellar performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. We believe it’s important for Saudi audiences to experience these timeless classics on the big screen, as the directors intended, enhancing our cinematic culture in the region.
**Editor:** Absolutely. Beyond *Heat*, you have also curated an impressive selection of Egyptian cinema. Can you tell us about the significance of including these restored films?
**Antoine Khalife:** Certainly! This year, we wanted to pay tribute to the rich legacy of Egyptian cinema—an integral part of Arab film history. Films like *Bread and Salt*, *Smile the Photo Comes Out Better*, and *Shafika and Metwali* reflect not only the evolution of storytelling in Egypt but also honor the remarkable contributions of female filmmakers and actresses, such as Mona Zaki. Restoring these classics allows new generations to appreciate the depth and artistry of Arabic cinema.
**Editor:** You mentioned the role of female producers and actresses in shaping Egyptian cinema. Why is that representation so crucial for contemporary audiences?
**Antoine Khalife:** Female voices have always been pivotal in filmmaking, especially in Egyptian cinema. By showcasing the work of legendary stars like Naima Akef and Souad Hosny, we underscore the essential perspectives they brought to their roles and the industry as a whole. Highlighting these contributions encourages a broader understanding of film history and inspires emerging filmmakers, especially women in cinema today.
**Editor:** It sounds like this year’s festival is set to make a significant impact. In your view, how does the collaboration with Egyptian Media Production City enhance the festival’s mission?
**Antoine Khalife:** This collaboration is a vital step in celebrating our cultural heritage. By meticulously restoring these films, we not only honor the past but also engage with contemporary audiences, reigniting their appreciation for classic cinema. Our festival’s programming aims to bridge the gap between historical and modern narratives, making the festival a hub for cinematic exploration.
**Editor:** Thank you, Antoine, for sharing your insights. We’re looking forward to the festival and experiencing these incredible films.
**Antoine Khalife:** Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to join us and experience these cinematic treasures together.