Pakistan made a strong appearance at the opening ceremony of the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, where the festival launched its fifth edition with a star-studded red carpet.
Well-known Pakistani actors Atiqa Odho, Tausiq Haider, and filmmaker-actor Shehzad Nawaz represented Pakistan at the prestigious event. Their presence was warmly received by festival organisers and international attendees, who praised Pakistan’s growing participation in global cinema platforms.
The festival began with a grand opening ceremony attended by leading artists and filmmakers from around the world. Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan inaugurated the event, calling culture “one of the most powerful tools of global influence.” He said cinema brings people together, promotes understanding, and plays a leading role in shaping societies.
Prince Badr highlighted that the fifth edition of the festival reflects the strong support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted the rapid transformation of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector in recent years and said it forms a crucial part of the kingdom’s future.
The minister also explained that the Saudi Ministry of Culture has worked for seven years to preserve national heritage while encouraging growth in literature, visual arts, music, crafts, fine arts, and cinema. These efforts, he said, strengthen identity and reflect the ambitions of Saudi youth.
Prince Badr praised the Red Sea Film Foundation for empowering young talent, supporting creative projects, and expanding Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global film industry. He said the foundation’s programmes contribute to economic growth and reinforce the kingdom’s emergence as a major cinematic destination.
This year’s festival opened under the theme “Loving Cinema,” bringing together filmmakers from the Arab world, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States to celebrate the power of film to connect cultures and communities.
