THE RED SEA FILM FOUNDATION CELEBRATES FOUR WINS AT CANNES

The Red Sea Film Foundation is proud to announce that four films supported by the Foundation won prestigious Un Certain Regard prizes at the 74th Cannes Film Festival.

“Hounds”, directed by Kamal Lazraq, was awarded the Jury Prize. The film’s story follows a father-and-son team working for the local mafia in Casablanca, who are faced with a long night when a kidnapping goes wrong. The director hails from Morocco and graduated from the prestigious La Fémis film school in Paris.

Asmae El Moudir won Best Director for her film “The Mother of All Lies”, a documentary which explores the connection between the 1981 Bread Riots and contemporary life in Morocco through the director’s personal history.

The Freedom Prize was awarded to Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani for “Goodbye Julia”. The win carries additional significance, as this is the first time a Sudanese director has participated in Cannes, the first time a Sudanese film has entered Cannes – and therefore the first time a Sudanese film and director has won.

Belgian-Congolese director Baloji won the New Voice Prize for his film “Omen”, which explores traditions and beliefs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The New Voice Prize recognizes emerging talent in the film industry.

These awards are a resounding testament to the exceptional quality and creativity of the filmmakers supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation, as well as a mark of the Foundation’s commitment to bringing underrepresented voices and new talent to the global stage.

The Foundation’s CEO, Mohammed al Turki, was delighted with the success: “My warmest congratulations to the winners and their production teams for these outstanding achievements. We are beyond thrilled that their talent has been recognized at Cannes.”

The Red Sea Film Foundation is committed to supporting independent filmmakers from across the Middle East and North Africa. Al Turki added, “These wins at Cannes demonstrate the enormous potential and promise in the region. We are inspired to redouble our efforts to support these new voices”.