Light rain typically falls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia just a handful of times each year, with annual rainfall averaging under two inches. But the clouds opened up above the historic port city on Tuesday and unleashed a deluge, sending the country’s flagship Red Sea International Film Festival into emergency shutdown mode.
Organizers advised the event’s global guests to shelter in place — at their hotels, screening venues or the event’s bustling Souk trade-show floor — as heavy rains in the city can often result in flooding and road closures lasting hours.
Oscar-nominated director Darren Aronofsky was just taking the stage in a cinema in Jeddah’s Cultural Square for a keynote “In Conversation” presentation when thunder started booming over the city. The filmmaker’s talk would become the festival’s final public event of the day, as screenings and other activities were scrapped in response to government flood advisories. An evening appearance and keynote chat with actor Riz Ahmed was among the many events put on hold. (Read the festival’s full statement to guests below.)
The U.S. consulate issued its own advisory Tuesday afternoon, officially canceling a glitzy Red Sea Film Festival gala that was scheduled to be held on the government’s grounds, drawing a mix of international film and industry figures.
Founded in 2019 and now in its fifth edition, the Red Sea International Film Festival has rapidly grown into one of the Middle East’s most influential cinema events, with a remit to champion filmmakers and stories from the Arab world, Africa and Asia while positioning Saudi Arabia as an emerging hub for global film culture. Each year, the festival draws a substantial cadre of Hollywood and international talent to Jeddah to walk its waterfront red carpet, host masterclasses and take part in industry talks. This year’s edition has already welcomed a wide mix of star names, including Aronofsky, Ahmed, Michael Caine, Adrien Brody, Vin Diesel, Jessica Alba, Sean Baker, Nicholas Hoult, Ana de Armas, Kirsten Dunst and Uma Thurman, among others.
The Red Sea Film Festival’s full statement follows: “Due to the unstable weather and heavy rainfall in Jeddah today, Tuesday, December 9, Culture Square and the Red Sea Souk will be closed for the remainder of the day to ensure everyone’s safety. All screenings, activities and programs today have been canceled. Please stay tuned to our official channels and the festival app for any further updates. Note: Refunds for canceled screenings will be provided.”