Pakistan Makes First Appearance at Red Sea Film Festival

Jeddah: Yesterday, the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival was held in the historic and vibrant Al-Balad district, marking a grand celebration of cinema.

This occasion was not only significant for the festival itself but also a major milestone for Pakistan, as the national flag of Pakistan was proudly displayed at this global cinematic platform for the very first time. Representing Pakistan were three distinguished and veteran creative figures—Atika Odho, Tauseef Haider, and Shehzad Nawaz—who also participated in a special panel discussion during the festival.

This historic moment opens a new chapter of confidence in Pakistan’s cinematic journey and strengthens the country’s presence in the global film landscape. The festival, which runs from December 4 to 13, 2025, commenced with the spectacular world premiere of Rown Athale’s film “Giant”. This biographical drama vividly portrays the life, struggles, and extraordinary achievements of the British-Yemeni boxing legend, Prince Naseem Hamed.

The Red Sea International Film Festival kicked off this year with 111 remarkable premieres, including 38 world premieres from over 45 countries—a testament to the festival’s global reach and high cinematic standards. This year’s main competition jury is chaired by Oscar-winning filmmaker Shane Baker, with prominent and influential filmmakers from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and other regions forming the rest of the jury.

In just five years, the Red Sea International Film Festival has rapidly emerged as one of the Middle East’s most prestigious and high-quality cinematic events, playing a vital role in strengthening the region’s creative economy.

This edition focused on active audience engagement, training emerging filmmakers, broader industry networking, and key aspects of the global awards season. The Pakistani delegation will also participate in an important panel discussion on December 9. Pakistan’s participation, particularly the first-time display of the national flag and the presence of its delegation, marks a significant cultural milestone. This achievement not only highlights Pakistan’s growing recognition on the global cinematic stage but also serves as strong acknowledgment of Pakistani talent on rapidly emerging international platforms.

Through their meaningful presence and insightful discussions, Atika Odho, Shehzad Nawaz, and Tauseef Haider clearly showcased Pakistan’s commitment to storytelling, creative expression, and promoting cross-cultural collaboration.

Additionally, the delegation paid tribute to Nosheen Ahmed Waseem of Heworks, whose crucial efforts and dedication made Pakistan’s participation in the festival possible. This collaboration exemplifies the strong international ties that continue to brighten the future of Pakistan’s creative industry.