Mohammed Al-Turki Steps Down as Red Sea Film Foundation CEO, Mahdi Asseri Takes Over; Four Titles Shine at Cannes
Mohammed Al-Turki, the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has resigned and will become an advisor to the organization.
He will continue to support the leadership team while focusing on his personal projects as an independent film producer and businessman.
Mohammed Asseri, a former board member, will serve as acting CEO during the search for Al-Turki's successor.
The announcement follows a successful Cannes Film Festival for the Foundation, which saw four of its supported titles selected, including "Norah" by Tawfik Alzaidi, the first Saudi film in the Official Selection and recipient of a Special Mention in Un Certain Regard.
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival featured several notable projects in Directors' Fortnight and Critics Week.
These included Mahdi Fleifel's "To a Land Unknown," Emma Benestan's "Animale," and Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir's "The Brink of Dreams." The latter won the L’Œil d'or (Golden Eye Award) for Best Documentary.
Jomana Alrashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, acknowledged the foundation's transition, expressing gratitude to Mohammed Al-Turki for his leadership and welcoming new leadership alongside Managing Director Shivani Pandya Malhotra.
The Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is preparing for its fourth edition, which will take place from December 5 to 14.
Mohammed Al-Turki, the outgoing CEO, expressed his gratitude for being part of the festival's growth and establishing Saudi Arabia's presence on the global film industry stage.
He will continue to support the Red Sea Film Foundation and transition to new leadership as the festival enters its next phase.
Mohammed Asseri, a former board member, will serve as acting CEO during the search for Al-Turki's successor.
The announcement follows a successful Cannes Film Festival for the Foundation, which saw four of its supported titles selected, including "Norah" by Tawfik Alzaidi, the first Saudi film in the Official Selection and recipient of a Special Mention in Un Certain Regard.
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival featured several notable projects in Directors' Fortnight and Critics Week.
These included Mahdi Fleifel's "To a Land Unknown," Emma Benestan's "Animale," and Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir's "The Brink of Dreams." The latter won the L’Œil d'or (Golden Eye Award) for Best Documentary.
Jomana Alrashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, acknowledged the foundation's transition, expressing gratitude to Mohammed Al-Turki for his leadership and welcoming new leadership alongside Managing Director Shivani Pandya Malhotra.
The Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is preparing for its fourth edition, which will take place from December 5 to 14.
Mohammed Al-Turki, the outgoing CEO, expressed his gratitude for being part of the festival's growth and establishing Saudi Arabia's presence on the global film industry stage.
He will continue to support the Red Sea Film Foundation and transition to new leadership as the festival enters its next phase.
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