The organisers of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) have unveiled a spectacular, female-led lineup for the 2025 edition of its celebrated 'In Conversation With' series. Set against the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jeddah's Al-Balad district, the series promises intimate, career-spanning discussions with a glittering array of international talent.
A Powerhouse Roster of Global Talent
Queen Latifah, the multi-award-winning artist and producer, will officially open the conversation programme. She is followed by Oscar-nominated actress Kirsten Dunst, whose acclaimed career encompasses over 40 film and television roles. The impressive list of female speakers continues with versatile actress Dakota Johnson and Oscar-nominated Cuban star Ana de Armas, alongside Nina Dobrev and Golden Globe–nominated actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba.
The festival will also welcome back two-time Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, who previously appeared at RSIFF in 2023. He is joined by screen legend Sigourney Weaver and this year's Features Jury President, Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker. The international scope is further emphasised by the inclusion of Hong Kong director and stunt choreographer Stanley Tong and Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who will make her highly anticipated festival debut.
Spotlight on Rising Stars and Acclaimed Storytellers
New to the strand this year is Amir El Masry, the rising star of Giant, the Prince Naseem boxing biopic chosen as the festival's opening film. Academy Award–nominated Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania will also take to the stage, discussing her creative process as her Gaza-set docudrama, The Voice of Hind Rajab, screens as a special presentation.
The programme proudly showcases regional talent, with acclaimed Saudi actor Yaqoub Alfarhan and Egyptian screen legend Lebleba, whose career spans nearly seven decades. Celebrated actor and director Giancarlo Esposito will host a special discussion for participants of the festival's Red Sea Labs talent incubation programme.
A Cultural Cornerstone of Vision 2030
Now in its fifth year, the festival is a key component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and establish Jeddah as a global cultural hub. The 'In Conversation With' series has become the heart of the event for many attendees, offering unparalleled access to the personal and professional journeys of cinematic luminaries. Past editions have featured figures such as Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeremy Renner, each contributing to the festival's rich legacy of storytelling.
