The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) has announced that Baz Luhrmann, a renowned writer, director, and producer known for his works such as “Elvis” and “Moulin Rouge,” will be leading the features competition jury at this year’s festival. The third edition of the festival will be held from November 30 to December 9 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the Eastern shore of the Red Sea.
The festival’s Red Sea: Features competition will showcase 17 selected films that represent the most compelling, unique, and impressive work from the past year. Luhrmann and the esteemed jury members will evaluate these films and award the winners with the coveted Yusr Awards. In the 2022 edition, the Golden Yusr was bestowed upon “Hanging Gardens,” directed by Ahmed Yassin Al Daradji.
Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Luhrmann expressed his fascination with the powerful historical and physical landscapes of “Lawrence of Arabia” and his abiding passion for the Arabian world. He added that his visit to Saudi Arabia inspired him by the remarkable talent emerging from the region, capturing the attention of the global film community.
As the jury president for this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival, Luhrmann feels honored to work alongside leading and emerging figures in the industry. He believes that cinema has the power to spark change and bridge gaps between artists and cultures. Luhrmann looks forward to celebrating both emerging talent and established auteurs from the Arab region, Asia, and Africa within the festival’s vibrant, diverse, and distinctive cinematic offerings in Jeddah.
Mohammed Al Turki, the CEO of the Red Sea IFF, expressed his excitement in welcoming Baz Luhrmann as the head of the jury for the festival’s third edition. Al Turki described Luhrmann as a pioneer of pop culture with incredible versatility across creative fields. The organization is eager to reveal the selected films and celebrate outstanding filmmaking in the Arab world, Asia, and Africa.
Luhrmann’s legendary status as an Academy Award-nominated auteur is emphasized by the organizers. He is known for his expertise in storytelling across various mediums such as film, opera, theatre, and music. Luhrmann’s recent film, “Elvis,” achieved tremendous success as the second-highest-grossing musical biopic of all time globally. His critically acclaimed filmography includes works like the double Academy Award-winning “The Great Gatsby,” “Strictly Ballroom,” “Romeo + Juliet,” double Academy Award-winning “Moulin Rouge,” and the sweeping period epic “Australia.”
Organizers of the Red Sea IFF are thrilled to have Baz Luhrmann lead the prestigious jury, recognizing his immense contributions to the world of filmmaking. They eagerly anticipate the announcement of the selected films and the opportunity to celebrate exceptional filmmaking in the Arab world, Asia, and Africa.