Red Sea Film Festival cancels 2026 event

The sixth Red Sea International Film Festival has been postponed until the end of next year, according to organisers. Initially slated for December 3 to 12 in Jeddah, the festival's decision to delay came after a review of logistical considerations. No specific reason was provided for the postponement, but it follows weeks of uncertainty due to conflicts in the Gulf and Middle East, including US-Iran tensions and Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast.

Despite the postponement, the Red Sea Film Foundation will continue its other activities, such as the Red Sea Fund and Red Sea Labs. The festival's industry market, the Red Sea Souk, was also set to run but will now be missed. The foundation's activities will include year-round programming at Culture Square in Historic Jeddah, starting in November, with screenings, cultural events, and industry-specific programs.

Last year's festival in December 2025 featured international stars and attracted filmmakers and executives from major companies. The next Red Sea Film Festival will now be held in the final months of 2026, with final dates to be announced.