The highly anticipated fifth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival began with a star-studded red carpet event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, drawing global attention to the Middle East’s growing cinematic landscape. This year’s festival was illuminated not only by the presence of major international celebrities, but also by a heartfelt tribute, as Vin Diesel honored Michael Caine on opening night, placing the Vin Diesel Red Sea Film Festival connection firmly in the spotlight.
The opening gala featured the Middle Eastern premiere of Rowan Athale’s Sylvester Stallone-produced film Giant, with Amir El Masry portraying iconic British–Yemeni featherweight champion Prince Naseem Hamed and Pierce Brosnan as his trainer. Actors such as Dakota Johnson, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, as well as jury head Sean Baker and distinguished members Riz Ahmed, Naomie Harris, Nadine Labaki, and Olga Kurylenko, made notable appearances, underscoring the festival’s global reach. Queen Latifah and Nina Dobrev captivated audiences with on-stage discussions earlier in the day. Amidst the dazzling assembly, the most memorable moment came when Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel, honored with the 2024 Special Recognition Award, warmly wheeled legendary actor Michael Caine along the carpet for the world’s cameras.
Honoring Michael Caine’s Enduring Impact
Vin Diesel and Michael Caine, who previously collaborated on the 2015 film The Last Witch Hunter, shared a moving moment during the festival’s opening ceremony. Diesel took the stage to bestow Caine with an honoree award, seizing the opportunity to praise his distinguished colleague while also acknowledging festival juror Sean Baker. Diesel, speaking to Baker, said,
“You’re making us all want to make independent movies,”
Diesel, Fast and Furious star, before referencing a now-famous observation:
“You see more people from Hollywood here [in Jeddah] than at the Oscars.”
Diesel, Fast and Furious star.
Diesel expressed deep personal significance in presenting Caine’s award. He told attendees,
“Tonight is more special for me personally because I’ve been asked to recognize someone who you all know as one of the best actors who’s ever lived,”
Diesel, Fast and Furious star, and added,
“He’s been somebody that, as Uma Thurman said, could play character roles or main roles, and all the while has more charisma in his finger than most people in Hollywood.”
Diesel, Fast and Furious star.
Michael Caine, accompanied by three of his grandchildren, responded with wit and warmth as he received his award. Caine remarked,
“I’m here to get an award, which doesn’t surprise me. I won two Oscars,”
Michael Caine, actor, then reflected on his life and career:
“I have a fabulous family that I adore beyond belief. I’ve had a fairly fabulous movie family, some who’ve let me down, and I love them beyond belief, including the failures. I kept going until I was 90, which is two years ago. I’m not going to do anything else, I’ve had all the luck I can get.”
Michael Caine, actor.
Visibly moved, Caine continued,
“And one of the luckiest things is tonight,”
Michael Caine, actor, before expressing gratitude for the recognition,
“I’m just so happy to be here. I’ve seen it on television but never won anything here, so I’m happy. I want to thank you for the surprise, because in show business you don’t get many surprises, you get a couple of shocks and that’s about it.”
Michael Caine, actor.
Festival Honorees and Distinguished Attendees
Michael Caine joined a select group of honorees at this year’s festival, which also celebrated the achievements of Sigourney Weaver, Juliette Binoche, Rachid Bouchareb, and Stanley Tong. The presence of guests such as Jessica Alba, Adrien Brody, Darren Aronofsky, and Kaouther Ben Hania, director of The Voice of Hind Rajab, added further prestige to the event. Many of these luminaries are set to participate in events throughout Jeddah during the festival’s run from December 4 to December 13.
Festival Leadership Champions Global Storytelling
Red Sea Film Festival jury head Sean Baker shared his excitement at the opening ceremony, lauding Saudi Arabia’s cinematic growth. He stated,
“While we are fighting to save screens in the U.S., in five years, hundreds of cinemas have opened here. That makes Saudi the fastest growing box office in the world. As a cinephile whose world is movies, the leaps and bounds happening here are insightful, inspirational and heartwarming.”
Sean Baker, director and jury head.
Red Sea Film Foundation Chairwoman Jomana R. Alrashid highlighted transformative progress achieved in the last five years. She noted that,
“We have quietly but surely built what many thought was impossible: an ecosystem where filmmakers from across [Asia, Africa and the Arab world] were empowered to lead.”
Jomana R. Alrashid, Chairwoman, Red Sea Film Foundation. Alrashid also underscored that seven Red Sea Fund-backed projects have become their countries’ official Oscar entries, illustrating the foundation’s significant impact on nurturing over 130 film initiatives.
Addressing filmmakers and creators, Alrashid encouraged embracing innovation amid shifting industry paradigms, and shared,
“Where creators who once faced barriers now find open doors. This is the most precious gift a creator can have: access and a voice.”
Jomana R. Alrashid, Chairwoman, Red Sea Film Foundation.
Artists Highlight Resilience and Global Collaboration
Rachid Bouchareb, another honoree, voiced optimism for the future of Arab cinema, emphasizing resilience during uncertain times,
“Even in challenging times for the Arab world and its people I am glad to see us telling our stories and welcoming artists from all around the world.”
Rachid Bouchareb, filmmaker.
Award presentations highlighted groundbreaking talent, such as when Jessica Alba recognized iconic stunt coordinator Stanley Tong for his cinematic influence, stating that Tong’s work
“shaped how we experience action on screen.”
Jessica Alba, actor. Tong accepted the award with gratitude, reflecting on the importance of perseverance in the film industry,
“For all the falls, tough shots and impossible action sequences, it taught me one thing: cinema belongs to those actors who never give up, like Jackie Chan,”
Stanley Tong, director and stunt coordinator. He also revealed future plans to return to Jeddah to collaborate on a Chinese-Saudi production with Chan.
During her emotional acceptance address, Juliette Binoche expressed her deep appreciation for the festival environment:
“I am not going to cry.”
Juliette Binoche, actor. She then elaborated on the value of international gatherings,
“Being in an international film festival is very special. It opens your heart even more. It gives so much horizon to your mind. I wish you the best festival ever. Thank you so much for this, it’s very special.”
Juliette Binoche, actor.
Red Sea Film Festival Showcases Jeddah’s Growing International Influence
With its dynamic roster of filmmakers, stars, and visionaries from around the globe, the Red Sea Film Festival has positioned Jeddah as a melting pot of artistic expression and cinematic innovation. The convergence of legendary talents—exemplified by Vin Diesel’s tribute to Michael Caine—continues to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s expansion as a hub for storytelling, opportunity, and cross-cultural collaboration on the world stage.
