Pakistan makes historic debut at RSIFF 2025 | The Express Tribune

KARACHI:

Pakistan marked a historic presence at the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in Jeddah, for the first time.

The festival, held in the historic Al-Balad district, opened on December 4 and runs until December 13, 2025, drawing global film talent, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world.

The Pakistani delegation, featuring esteemed artists Atiqa Odho, Shehzad Nawaz, and Tauseef Haider, who will participated in panel discussions and networking events, underlining the nation’s growing influence in international cinema.

Their contributions highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to storytelling, cross-cultural collaboration, and artistic innovation, reinforcing the country’s expanding role on the global film stage.
Adding to this milestone, the Pakistani film ‘Ghost School’ was officially selected for screening at RSIFF, marking the first time a Pakistani film has been showcased at the festival. Directed by Seemab Gull and supported by Nausheen Waseem, the film will be screened on December 11 in Jeddah’s Culture Square under the Families and Children category.

The festival’s opening was marked by the world premiere of Roven Athale’s ‘Giant’, a biographical drama chronicling the extraordinary life and achievements of British-Yemeni boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed.

With 111 films this year, including 38 world premieres from over 45 countries, the event showcases cinema from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia, and Africa. Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker leads the main competition jury, joined by notable figures such as Lebanese director Nadine Labaki, British Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed, and actors Olga Kurylenko and Naomi Harris.

RSIFF’s red carpet brought together international stars, with Oscar-winner Adrien Brody, Jessica Alba, Queen Latifah, Kirsten Dunst, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, Daniel Kaluuya, and Rita Ora making appearances.

Saudi actors Sarah Taibah, Zeina Makki, and Hanaa Mansour represented the region alongside global icons. Michael Caine was honoured for his lifetime contribution to cinema, as the RSIFF continues to champion the theme “For the Love of Cinema”.

The Pakistani delegation’s participation has particular cultural significance. For the first time, Pakistan’s flag was prominently displayed, signalling a growing international recognition of the country’s film industry.

Atiqa Odho, Shehzad Nawaz, and Tauseef Haider engaged audiences with panel discussions, sharing insights on Pakistan’s creative journey and demonstrating the nation’s dedication to storytelling and cultural diplomacy.

They also acknowledged Nausheen Waseem’s key role in facilitating Pakistan’s involvement, illustrating the collaborative effort required to establish a presence on such a significant international stage.