The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) just dropped its lineup for this year’s Arab Shorts Competition, and it’s packed with fifteen incredible films that shine a light into the cultures and stories of the Arab world. From Saudi Arabia to Somalia, this year’s selection highlights both fresh faces and seasoned filmmakers, offering a window into personal and powerful narratives across the region.
Now in its fourth year, the festival, taking place from Dec. 5 to 14 in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, continues to showcase films that cut straight to the heart of complex cultural and societal issues. Whether you’re into stories about self-discovery, mental health, or just the raw absurdity of life, these films have something to say. By spotlighting these filmmakers, RSIFF is giving them a global stage to connect with industry heavyweights and audiences worldwide.
Antoine Khalife, who heads up Arab Programs & Film Classics at RSIFF, sums it up perfectly: “Storytelling is an unspoken force that preserves the essence of human experience, bridging gaps across languages and cultures. Through the Arab Shorts Competition, the Red Sea International Film Festival curates a dynamic and multifaceted program, reflecting the vivid and evolving stories that define the Arab world today. This year’s selection stands as a testament to the ingenuity and brilliance of regional talent, showcasing films that challenge, inspire, and deeply move us.”
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The themes running through this year’s program—identity, memory, belonging—hit home for anyone who’s ever questioned their place in the world. These filmmakers aren’t afraid to push boundaries and explore tough topics with honesty, humor, and a fresh perspective. With Arab cinema gaining more attention on the global stage, these shorts are part of the growing demand for authentic, nuanced stories.
The competition features films from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Somalia, Jordan, Sudan, and the UAE. The 15 short films featured in the competition are:
Fragments of Life by Anis Ben Dali
Saint Rose by Zayn Alexandre
The Signal by Nasser Alqattan
Shams by Adam Rayan
Chikha by Ayoub Layoussifi and Zahoua Raji
African Family Dinner by Ibrahim Mursal
In Three Layers of Darkness by Houcem Slouli
Children of Barzagh by Ahmed Khattab
Mera, Mera, Mera by Khaled Zidan
Malika by Maram Taibah
Land of God by Imad Benomar
Nemshi? by Assaf Al Rousan
Fizr by Rani Nasr
Zahra by Hadi Shatat
One Last Time by Karim Rahbani
