Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah unveils the films in competition in the Arab short film category

These eleven short films will be screened from 30 November to 9 December:

  • "Smokey Eyes", directed by renowned Egyptian director Ali Ali, starring rapper Marwan Moussa, is set in Cairo during its most chaotic period. It follows a girl whose evening turns into a nightmare of fears and challenges. Ali Ali has won several awards throughout his professional life, making him one of the most awarded directors in the world.
  • "Manity", directed and written by Hussen Ibraheem, tells the story of 11-year-old Firas as he embarks on a bird-hunting adventure in the Lebanese countryside with his father Tayseer and his friend Rayan. What begins as a normal hunting trip turns into an unforgettable journey, transforming an ordinary sunny day into an unforgettable adventure.
  • "The Key a film directed by Palestinian Rakan Mayasi, revolves around young Edina who is constantly disturbed by a mysterious sound that disrupts her sleep at night. As this disturbing noise increasingly invades their lives, it remains to be seen how her parents will react.
  • "Somewhere in Between", by Lebanese director Dahlia Nemlich, tells the story of a couple facing imminent separation. As Elias and Christiane delve into their shared memories, they prepare for a final farewell that will test the strength of their bond.
  • "Amplified" by Jordanian director Dina Naser tells the story of Hind, a charismatic young karate fighter who is hard of hearing. After a traumatic incident at the karate centre, Hind's world descends into chaos, testing her resilience and spirit.
  • "The Woodland", directed by Libyan actor Firas Taybeh, follows the journey of two brothers who set off to bury their deceased father. Along the way, unresolved issues surface, forcing them to confront the true meaning of brotherly bonds, family ties, land and personal pride.
  • Directed by Egyptian Jad Chahine, "The Call of the Stream" presents the adventure of a young boy in a cursed stream, where he witnesses a life-changing event that will ultimately determine his destiny.
  • "Farewell", directed by Palestinian Ibrahem Melhem, features Salma's risky journey to her homeland, crossing borders illegally to deliver her brother's body to the family home. Along the way, she encounters challenges that force her to make a life-changing decision.
  • "Saeed", directed by Saudi director Rami Alzayer, explores the life of Saeed, who decides to flee when he learns that his sister Salma is due to return to their mother's house. His journey is a search for a more promising refuge.
  • In 'Deaf', Lebanese director Roy Arida presents Hassan's solemn task of creating his late wife's final resting place with the help of his children, Tamara and Rami. They are determined to fulfil their mother's last wish: to be buried in her childhood village, which has been abandoned for more than two decades.
  • "Me & Aydarous directed by Sara Balghonaim, is about a brave young Saudi woman who sneaks off on a date, which leads to an argument with her driver - who also happens to be her chaperone. The film explores the complexities of personal freedom and societal norms in a conservative society.