By Melhem Hachem

The 5th Red Sea International Film Festival took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from December 4 to 13, 2025, under the theme “In Love with Cinema.” The festival reaffirmed its role as a major global film event, celebrating diverse cinematic voices and providing a platform for filmmakers from around the world.
This year’s edition featured 111 films from over 70 countries, showcasing an expansive range of narrative and documentary work across genres and styles. The festival highlighted a commitment to both international cinema and regional stories, including short films, restored classics, and new works from emerging talents.
The opening film was “Giant”, a biographical drama that set an ambitious tone for the festival’s programming. A wide array of international and regional celebrities attended the event, including prominent Hollywood and global stars on the red carpet, reflecting the festival’s international stature.
At the closing ceremony, awards were presented for the Red Sea Competition. The top honor, the Golden Yusr Award, was awarded to “Lost Land,” the first feature film ever made in the Rohingya language, marking a historic achievement and recognition of underrepresented storytelling in world cinema.
The festival also celebrated notable filmmakers and artists, with tributes and screenings honoring cinema heritage and the creative achievements of participants.
Beyond film screenings, the festival’s industry programme, including Red Sea Souk, supported emerging projects with awards and financing opportunities, reflecting the event’s broader role in nurturing film production across the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
Overall, the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival reinforced its mission to celebrate cinematic excellence, expand cultural exchange, and support creative voices from around the world — from established filmmakers to new talents shaping the future of cinema.

The Maybelline Glam Festival took over the Seaside Pavilion with an energetic and stylish gathering that brought together influencers, media figures, fashion lovers, and beauty experts. The space buzzed with excitement as guests explored Maybelline’s newest launches in dedicated testing stations, trying shades and textures firsthand while chatting with makeup pros.

The DJ kept the atmosphere lively throughout the evening, adding a fun, upbeat rhythm to a night already filled with color and creativity. Guests also enjoyed a variety of beautifully presented food and dessert stations, adding extra delight to the festive vibe. Special gifting moments let attendees take home exclusive Maybelline products, rounding out the immersive experience.

With its vibrant crowd and seaside setting, the festival delivered a warm, fresh, and truly memorable celebration of beauty and self-expression.

Journalist and director Zalfa Assaf, CEO of Presses Partout appeared as a guest on the program on France 24, marking the 50th anniversary of the Lebanese civil war. She spoke about her film “Women Fighters for Peace”which highlights the journey of four female fighters who took part in the war only to be let down by its outcome and ultimately find themselves fighting for peace instead.

The Luxuria Layali Ramadan exhibition, hosted by M&O Events, concluded successfully at Phoenicia Hotel, drawing a remarkable presence of public figures, media personalities, and celebrities. The event, under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade, showcased an exclusive collection of luxury brands, high-end products, and Ramadan-inspired items, offering a unique and elegant shopping experience.

The exhibition featured a blend of fashion, jewelry, lifestyle, and gourmet offerings, capturing the essence of the Ramadan season with vibrant live performances and entertainment, further elevating the celebratory atmosphere.

M&O Events was proud to curate an event that not only embraced the spirit of Ramadan but also provided a platform for unique brands and products to shine.

The success of Luxuria Layali Ramadan sets a high standard for future luxury exhibitions, with M&O Events’ next celebration scheduled for Eid Al-Adha and Summer season. Stay tuned for more exciting events.

Alhurra channel hosted the media personality and executive producer Zalfa Assaf, the owner of Presses Partout Media Production Company, where she talked about religious clothes. Presses Partout was the executive producer of the documentary ” Garments of piety” which was aired on Al Jazeera Documentary Channel.

Media figure, director, and executive producer Zalfa Assaf, owner of the Presses Partout company, was a guest on the Interview program on Voice of Lebanon, to talk about the documentary “Women fighters for Peace,” which won first place of the “Media, Women, Security, and Peace” award organized by the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders and the United Nations Security Council Committee in New York.

Journalist, director, and executive producer Zalfa Assaf was a guest on the “Al-Youm” program on Alhurra Channel after the documentary “Emperors of Tanks” won the Arab Media Excellence Award for the year 2023 from the League of Arab States – Media Sector. The documentary is produced by Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, and Zalfa Assaf serves as the executive producer of Presses Partout, a Media Production House.

Watch the interview

The journalist, director, and executive producer Zalfa Assaf, General Manager of Presses Partout, was a guest on the “HIA= she” program on Radio Sawa from Washington as part of the ‘Najah segment’ to discuss the documentary “Women Fighters for Peace,” which won the Media, Women, Security, and Peace Award 2022 from New York. Additionally, she talked about the documentary “The Emperors of Water Tanks,” which won the Arab Media Excellence Award 2023 from the League of Arab States.

Listen to the interview.

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