Entertainment entrepreneur of Indian origin Gina Golani Shetty of Stellar Entertainment Co. who has been instrumental in hosting the Indian film community at the festival since its inception has onboarded Kajol, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, A.R. Rahman, Ranbir Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan to be an intrinsic part of this year’s star-studded line-up.
Gina Shetty shares, “Bollywood is such an integral part of the world cinema market and I’m truly delighted that doors which were once closed have now opened for Bollywood in the region courtesy the Red Sea International Film Festival. In the augural year we faced a lot of challenges and cynicism but it’s amazing to see the power packed participation this year from Bollywood.”
Kajol will grace the opening night of the festival for the public screening of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge alongwith Shahrukh Khan who will be felicitated with an Honorary Award . Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor will also attend the opening night. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan will be attending the Women In Cinema Gala Dinner that champions inclusivity and highlights the role of women in cinema. Akshay Kumar will chair ‘In Conversation’ event moderated by Kaleem Aftab where he will share his success story. Ranbir Kapoor will be felicitated with the International Vanguard Actor Award as well as be a part of an ‘In-Conversation’ event moderated by Martin Dale. Hrithik Roshan will be participating in an ‘In Conversation’ event moderated by Raya Abirached and attend the closing award ceremony. AR Rahman will be marking his debut performance in Jeddah at the festival. Other Indian names on the line-up include Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Kapur and Gurinder Chadha
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan state, “It’s truly an honor to champion an initiative that supports women parity. We will not just be celebrating world cinema but also women stakeholders of the industry who make cinema a more diverse, fulfilling and rich experience. We are grateful to Gina Golani Shetty and Red Sea International Film Festival for giving us this wonderful opportunity to propel the cause of inclusivity.”
Kajol states, “DDLJ is a cult film that has been instrumental in spreading positivity, happiness and love across the world for over 27 years. I’m honoured to be an intrinsic part of the gala opening event to represent a film that is one of the most loved films in the history of world cinema. It will be a memorable evening as I will be joined with my co-star Shahrukh Khan. It is such a proud moment for all Indian cinema buffs that DDLJ will be a part of the inaugural night of the revered Red Sea International Film Festival. Grateful to Stellar Entertainment for making this happen.”
Akshay Kumar states, “This is my second year at the Red Sea International Film Festival all thanks to the consistent efforts by Stellar Entertainment. The debut year was quite intimate and it’s really heart-warming to see how the festival has grown multifold in a span of a year. I’m happy and grateful to be back again to spread a good word about Indian cinema on the world stage.”
Ranbir Kapoor states, “I am extremely honoured to be invited to attend the Red Sea International Film Festival, I look forward to being around and meeting so many stalwarts of cinema from around the world in Jeddah.”
Hrithik Roshan states, “I’m honoured to be invited by Stellar Entertainment to represent the Indian film industry at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2022. Looking forward to being a part of the closing ceremony and addressing a live audience in Jeddah, on the 8th of December. It’s a wonderful time for the global film community to be coming together to celebrate and strengthen cross-cultural entertainment collaborations.”
A.R. Rahman states, “I’m extremely pleased to be performing at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to being a part of one of the most prestigious celebrations in the region. See you soon!”
Aside of Indian talent, the sophomore edition of the Red Sea Film Festival will also witness presence of international talent such as Jemima Khan, Sajal Ali, Naughty Boy, Guy Ritchie, Sharon Stone, Oliver Stone, Bruno Mars, Jeff Mirza, Luca Guadagnino, Park Hae Soo, Andy Garcia, Henry Golding, Giuseppe Tornatore, Scott Eastwood, Luna Maya, Bella Ranee Campen, Nattawin, Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, Mile Phakphum Romsaithong, Wichapas Sumettikul, Michelle Rodriguez, Lucy Hale, Freida Pinto, Alessandra Ambrosio, Sara Sampaio, Rossy de Palma, Marina Ruy Barbosa, Nolan Funk, Michele Morrone, Melanie Laurent, Maria Pedraza, Alex Gonzalez, Alejandra Onieva, Hiba Abouk.
The Red Sea International Film Festival is Saudi’s first full-fledged film festival and market with international ambitions set up after the country in late 2017 removed its religion-related ban on cinemas. Unfolding against the backdrop of the Red Sea port of Jeddah, the festival will present 131 feature films and shorts from 61 countries in 41 languages this year from 1st December – 10th December 2022.