Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Festival 2025 is dramatically leveling up its global presence, announcing a new wave of major Hollywood stars for its much-anticipated "In Conversation" series. The fifth edition opens Thursday in Jeddah and runs through December 13 — and the lineup reads like a who's who of modern cinema.
Star-Studded "In Conversation" Lineup
Leading the new additions is Dakota Johnson, fresh off her buzzworthy role in Materialists. She joins actor-entrepreneur Jessica Alba and Ballerina headliner Ana de Armas — all three expected to draw major crowds as they discuss their creative processes, industry outlooks, and personal journeys.
The festival also unveiled Oscar nominee Kirsten Dunst, Vampire Diaries favorite Nina Dobrev, global entertainment icon Queen Latifah, and Bollywood star Kriti Sanon. Together they form one of the most diverse and influential groups ever assembled for the series.
An Already Loaded Roster
According to organizers, the "In Conversation" events give fans and industry guests an intimate look at each artist's craft and behind-the-scenes stories. These stars join an already stacked attendee list that includes Adrien Brody, jury president Sean Baker, and Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania.
Honorees this year include Michael Caine, Sigourney Weaver, Juliette Binoche, Rachid Bouchareb, and Stanley Tong.
High-Profile Screenings and Competition
The festival is packed with marquee screenings. Angelina Jolie's Couture, The Wizard of the Kremlin featuring Jude Law and Paul Dano, and Rupert Wyatt's Desert Warrior starring Anthony Mackie and Ben Kingsley headline the International Spectacular showcase. The competition slate remains focused on emerging voices from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.
Sean Baker — whose film Anora swept the Academy Awards — serves as this year's jury president, overseeing a competition celebrating global cinematic storytelling. His jury includes Riz Ahmed and Naomie Harris.
Opening Night
The Red Sea Film Festival 2025 opens Thursday night with Rowan Athale's boxing biopic Giant, starring Amir El-Masry as Prince Naseem Hamed and Pierce Brosnan as his legendary trainer — a fitting tribute to an underdog story with deep regional resonance.
