“We have a strong program that deals with global capitalism, the economic situation today, the story of the movement of people, how the movement of people fueled culture around the world, and how it strengthened culture.” This is how Clem Aftab, director of international programming for the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, presented his selection, which brought the films of Luca Guadagnino, Park Chan-wook and Sam Mendes to Jeddah.
“If we look at European films, we see a number of films by directors such as Alice Diop, Faith Akin, Adel Larbi, Bilal Fallah… They are voices that are heard and I really enjoy being able to compete with these voices,” the film critic and programmer continues. The festival has an international outlook. If you look at the competition, it’s African, Asian and Arab films, which I think makes us very special. He says right away that we are looking to support voices that may not have such a big say in other festivals around the world and that is something that is interesting to me, because growing up as I did, with a Muslim background in London, I always felt like an outsider.
“But then we also have a great program that includes the best of American cinema. There are many films from studios as well as big independent films. We have a Palme d’Or winner. [Ruben Östlund’s ‘Triangle of Sadness,’ which plays at the festival as part of the International Spectacular strand]. I’m especially proud of the festival’s favorites section because I know a lot of people talk about diversity around the world, but the program we have is, if you look at the filmmakers, they’re literally all filmmakers who are outsiders making films in some way about a country where they’re considered outsiders, wrongly. In my opinion, it’s because they’re second generation or they’re filmmakers who live in another country and make films somewhere else.”
When asked about showing uncensored versions of films dealing with queer themes, social criticism and graphic depictions of violence and nudity in settings in Saudi Arabia, which only lifted a 35-year ban on commercial theaters in 2018, Aftab was categorical: “I would like to clarify False idea. We are in 2022, not 1970 and the world has evolved. The Arab world has progressed to some extent, and what has become acceptable is changing. As we have seen around the world, what is acceptable and what is not acceptable changes over time. So we At a stage when the Arab world has changed, what filmmakers are making, and what we see on the screen.
He added, “What we see in the realities of people’s lives has changed. The public and private space has changed because of the internet. I feel like we’re in a moment where we’re in a state of flux and I reflect that in my show. We look at life, we try to build cultural bridges, we try to make a show that stands against Any international program, and we don’t just look outward. We look inward. The challenge is that cinema and art in itself can be a mirror of society, and we want to reflect that.
Aftab has only one thing to say to those who question the carte blanche given to the Red Sea programmers: “I certainly feel that freedom, and I can say that if you’re skeptical, you’ll be skeptical. I’d just let the software do the talking and the people who come to see, can comment on.” The program and they can make those decisions. I feel free, whether people believe it or not, it’s up to them. But I feel when you watch the program, when you experience Jeddah and Saudi Arabia, and it’s not like the common misconception; it’s going to surprise people and the program is going to surprise people, but I think if you’re from Jeddah or Saudi Arabia, this is not a surprise to the outside world.”
Speaking about the importance of presenting independent films to the Saudi audience, the programmer stressed the need to strengthen the habit of cinema. “I feel very passionate about not only making films but art in general. On top of that, I feel very passionate, as I do when I am in London, Paris or New York, about the independent arthouse scene. We all know the struggles of the independent arthouse scene all over the world.” , with the challenges of signage, with many new ways of entertainment.So, to be in a place where cinema can feel exciting and new, and where we can offer a different kind of sound and hopefully create a ground that makes some people feel like they want to open cinemas or want to become Distributors or exhibitors, this is very important. Exciting. In the end, I think the market will decide for itself, but I’m very optimistic that we can make an impact.”
Regarding the extent to which his program is related to the theme of the 2022 festival titled “Film is Everything,” Aftab said: “It is very much about it because it shows us how film is sound, and film is a voice for everyone. And if you can find your voice and are willing to speak your truth, You will find a measure of happiness. Cinema and art give this opportunity like no other.”
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