Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor to attend the Red Sea International Film Festival to Promote Gender Equality

By: WE Staff | Saturday, 3 December 2022

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, a popular Bollywood couple, to attend the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.

In order to be a vital part of this year's star-studded lineup, Kajol, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, AR Rahman, Ranbir Kapoor, and Hrithik Roshan have joined up with Dubai-based entertainment entrepreneur Gina Golani Shetty of Stellar Entertainment Co., who has been key in hosting the Indian cinema community at the festival since its inception.

"Bollywood is such an essential component of the global film industry, and I'm very thrilled that doors that were formerly closed have now opened for Bollywood throughout the region thanks to the Red Sea International Film Festival," says Gina Shetty. We encountered many difficulties and cynicism in the inaugural year, so it is fantastic to see Bollywood's impactful engagement this time around.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan states, “ It's truly an honour to champion an initiative that supports women's 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 the Red Sea International Film Festival for giving us this wonderful opportunity to propel the cause of inclusivity.”

Kajol attended the festival's opening night screening of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in addition to Shah Rukh Khan, who received an honorary award. Sonam Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra were there on opening night. Attending the Women In Movie Gala Dinner, which promotes diversity and emphasises the role of women in cinema, will be Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Akshay Kumar will serve as the event's host and share his success story during the Kaleem Aftab-moderated "In Conversation" event. Ranbir Kapoor will receive the International Vanguard Actor Award and take part in a Martin Dale-moderated "In-Conversation" event.

Hrithik Roshan will attend the final award ceremony in addition to taking part in a "In Conversation" session chaired by Raya Abirached. At the festival, AR Rahman will make his Jeddah stage debut. Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Kapur, and Gurinder Chadha are among the other Indian performers on the bill.

Along with featuring indian talent, the Red Sea Film Festival's second instalment will feature performances by International actors 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 was established in Saudi Arabia in late 2017 when the country lifted its ban on theatres related to religion. It is the country's first fully fledged film festival and market with international ambitions. This year, from December 1 through December 10, 2022, the festival will screen 131 feature films and shorts from 61 nations in 41 languages against the backdrop of the Red Sea port of Jeddah.