Fest Track On Sirk TV Overview Coverage: RED SEA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2021 - THE RECEPTIONS [Jeddah -Saudi Arabia]
Film Festivals are always inherently about films but it is also about the business of making films. Many deals or discussions usually take place at different mixers or in settings highlighting a certain space, local food, local partner or simply a collaborative though process. Many of these of course are invite only but their context shows both the focus on the place or person being feted but also looking forward. The Red Sea International Film Festival is no exception and because of its status at a growing market is at a perfect crossroads for the movie business.
The Receptions Venue as well as viewpoint and energy can often transform a party per se depending where it is held and the ideas it embraces. The mix of people and the numeration of space can affect it as well. The tricky thing again in the current climate is the aspect of social distancing and masks which sometimes just cannot be fully adhered simply because of the aspect of food (and people who smoke cigarettes of course). Granted everyone has to present a vaccination certificate to enter the country as well as negative PCR less than 72 hours before arriving in addition to registering with both a system called Muqeem as well as an app that verifies that you have your vaccine. But even then still wearing masks when music is playing loud can cause muffled and more difficult communication but the key is to try and that was the name of the game.
After the opening night, the first evening reception attended was for Neom at a high rise hotel called Al Falak in the Ash Shati district of Jeddah in an open air long dining space with magnificent views over the water line of the Red Sea but specifically the area that had been used only days earlier for the Formula 1 Grand Prix on the streets below. Neom came to be found out is a new neo-modern city elsewhere in the country that sounded like, with its tech angle, could have a Blade Runner type feel. The one thing very apparent in the Saudi culture is the embracement of technology but in a slick way from the cars to apps that seemlessly blend modern and culture in a new world. The food here reflected that with one of most local diverse selections of food at the fest shindigs including lamb, prawns, pasta, a curry type of beef, cheeses and also maple dip concoction along with an abundance of deserts and salads that floated through with the music kept just at the right level without completely overcoming the situation. And yet it was still outside (with a very nice temperature). The way this get-together worked was very refined but also unassuming allowing for an easy progression of ideas. And the smoking of a cigar or two.
Another reception that was in a completely different venue but with a lot more people definitely represented in the new energy of the festival with a beautiful atmosphere which was the greatest melding of chill and fun…a celebration of film without being too specific but also intrinsically local. The event was thrown by Talfaz Studios at the Halfez Gallery. And while the art installation inside was definitely interesting, it was the outside almost stone marble deck and courtyard as well as side area with a Sharma and a frites station that gave it that almost hometown feel in a way. There was also a local soda maker making a blend of almost fruity drinks that brought that balance.
But as the night went on, the DJ really got the vibe moving mixing local beats but with a lot of Western hip hop and pop including Beyoncé, Eminem, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Lopez. As it moved in between those music styles and local favorites, it was beautiful to see locals singing along and sometimes jumping up and down with certain hits from artists we know. It shows that exchange of culture which works both ways. Sitting up on deck at a beautiful vantage point secured and optimized by Brazilian colleagues from our travel group, it was extremely heartening to see and with the obvious local film and culture enthusiasm building, the potential again in this country because of ambition, culture, support and also money (which is crucial in any continuing infrastructure build going forward) is obvious and will be interesting to follow,
Another evening for the initiative called “Waves Of Change” was a much smaller intimate affair going forward on the rooftop of an office tower adjacent to an art gallery called ATHR on Tahlia Street. With Mexican food per se made with an Arabian bent, the reception was low key and had a chill flow where people could enjoy the view (though not at the scale of the Neom party a few days earlier). Off in the distance a grand fountain near the Port Of Jeddah lit up the night though it disappeared in the day.
Two consulate parties followed each with their own identity but also distinct reason. The first took place at the Consul General Residence of Italy at Al Basteen Village which had a beautiful layout around a pool with beautiful lights and initially a live instrumental performance which eventually gave way to a DJ overlooking the pool. The vibe was low key with people separated on either side of the pool. The event was likely done to fete Giuseppe Tornatore who was president of the jury at RSIFF but also showed his documentary film on his friend composer Ennio Morricone that night in Al Balad. No presentation was made at the party as the discussion simmered into the night, though more Italian themed food maybe with an Arabian bent would have been great.
In comparison, the food at the French Consulate party the following night was much more specific though definitely a different vibe. This party again took place at the consulate with a strict guest list. The Consul actually got up on the DJ stage and spoke to the guests about ongoing collaboration and best wishes for the film industry in Saudi Arabia along with high hopes for continued collaboration.
With one side of the pool optimized into a grassy area (which would eventually lead to a dance area for some),the other side was populated by a variety of different food stations including pasta, Sharma, salads, breads, lamb and others in the best balance of food presentation since the Neom event but with a more chef focused feeling with actual people building the food dishes. This definitely gave a more personal feeling to it.
Comparatively on the front side of the pool, Lumiere video was projected onto a screen and a smorgasbord of cheeses (obviously a French strength) melded in concert with a stack of fruit and fondue possibilities as the DJ amped up the music (perhaps a bit too loud for conversation). However the energy of the dance floor was undeniable but more with a performance energy compared say to the Halfez Gallery/Talfaz Studio party which was just raw enthusiasm from a wider and perhaps more locally invited crowd mixed with film festival folks.
The Closing Night Party (as a reference point) was a balance of many of the events but as this was a wider event like opening night, it was a little more reserved perhaps per se. Held at the back lawn of the Park Hyatt Jeddah on the water, traditional dancers welcomed guests as well as the offering of Arabic coffee and some dates which has been a mainstay since arriving. The path opened up to a stage on the back veranda where a DJ played a mix of jazz and perhaps low key house music. Juice bars made a mock mojito with mint and offered some interesting pulp juice (although the specifically made guava juice --- which tasted a little like banana -- was the best at the Waves Of Change Reception).
Smaller provide finger foods (some fried) were revolved around the party though most of the places to sit were seemingly reserved for certain sponsors which made certain interactions less intrinsic. One big meeting point was a roped off but accessible sushi bar (likely the same preparer from the opening night --- so a mix of salmon and California rolls which was appreciated to say the least).
That said though the local Maui Poke Company at the Festival Headquarter café definitely was comparable with its Salmon Sushi Burrito (literally a whole Salmon Cut Roll made Arabian style with sauce). That was this writer's mainstay for lunch most days at the festival.
Again, the blend of all these different facets makes a festival. It is always great seeing a festival start and where it goes. This builds on everything whether it be infrastructure, people (all the Saudis we interacted with were very friendly and helpful -- they want tourism and always asked if we were enjoying ourselves).
While Saudi Arabia is not quite fully open to tourism from the world, the build is growing. Another interview, likely as a precursor to a broadcast piece on film locations in the AlUla region, gave an even more wide yet specific view through an eyes of a regional film commissioner whose background including with the Doha Film Institute offers great things to come. The Red Sea International Film Festival and all its ancillary impacts are simply at the inception point of their path but ever moving forward.
By Tim Wassberg
