Mohammed Al Turki in Cannes Celebration of Women in Cinema’ gala Photo Getty Images
The Red Sea Film Foundation, an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting film culture in Saudi Arabia has today announced that Chairman of the Committee Mohammed Al Turki has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation.
Al Turki joined the Red Sea Foundation in 2020 to support the development of the flourishing film industry in the country and the Festivals mission to champion emerging Saudi and Arab talent.
In his new role as CEO, he will spearhead the growth of the Festival building on the success of the inaugural edition which welcomed over 30,000 filmgoers along with 3,155 industry professionals for a 10-day celebration of the best of global and Arab cinema.
The established producer has successfully bridged the entertainment gap between ‘East and West’ and carved a career that spans over 12 years in both Hollywood and the Arab world. His knowledge of the industry will help drive the strategic and cultural mandate to establish the Festivals position as a crucial springboard for emerging Saudi, Arab and African talent and an important world-class Festival on the international circuit.
Al Turki’s executive leadership team includes Shivani Pandya Malthora; Managing director, Kaleem Aftab; Director of International Programming, Antoine Khalife; Director of Arab Programs & Film Classics, Samaher Mously; Director of Marketing, Emad Eskander; Head of the Fund and Zain Zedan; Red Sea Souk Manager.
Mohammed Al Turki, Red Sea IFF’s CEO said: “I am thrilled to be confirmed as CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation and proud to work with an incredibly talented team as we enter the next phase of our organisation. This is an exciting, transformative time where creativity plays a crucial role in the country’s cultural renaissance, with a thriving film and art scene and an extraordinary amount of young talent breaking new boundaries and producing content worthy of attention. We want to be at the forefront of navigating the changing cultural landscape, contributing to the global entertainment industry, and serving as a beacon for a new generation of creatives. I look forward to welcoming returning and new guests to Jeddah for our second edition this December.”
The Festivals’ objectives support the Kingdom’s ambitious 2030 plans to become a cinematic powerhouse and global film hub.
The Red Sea Fund, designed to support the development, production, and post-production is key to the strategy by providing year-round support to emerging talent, improving access to Arab content, and driving the potential of Arab talent on the international stage. To date, the Red Sea Fund has supported 97 projects with more to be announced in the coming months. In addition, impactful initiatives such as The Red Sea Lodge, in partnership with the TorinoFilmLab offers filmmakers a ten-month creative and professional training programme.
