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. The festival, originally scheduled for December 3-12 in Jeddah, had already closed its film submissions and accreditation process. The Red Sea Film Foundation announced the postponement following a review of the timing, citing logistical requirements for staging an international event of its scale.

No specific reason beyond these considerations was provided. The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf and wider Middle East due to the US-Iran war and renewed conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. However, the foundation did not link either conflict to its postponement decision. This will be the festival's sixth edition, having been launched in 2019 as the Red Sea International Film Festival.

It has become significant in Saudi Arabia's film industry following the lifting of the kingdom's ban on commercial cinemas in 2017. The festival's industry-focused Red Sea Souk attracted executives from major companies like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and MBC. Last year's festival saw appearances by international stars such as Dakota Johnson, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, Queen Latifah, and Vin Diesel.

The Red Sea Film Foundation, responsible for other year-round activities like the Red Sea Fund and Red Sea Labs, will continue despite the postponement. They will also introduce year-round programming at Culture Square in Historic Jeddah, starting from November, featuring film screenings, cultural events, and industry-specific programs. Exact dates for the 2026 festival will be announced later.