JEDDAH: The Red Sea Film Foundation on Saturday unveiled the programming team for the fifth edition of its Red Sea International Film Festival, scheduled from Dec. 4-13 in Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic district.

Leading the team is Antoine Khalife, director of the Arab and Classic Cinema Program.

Ahmed Al-Ayyad and Josephine Habashi have been appointed as senior programmers, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Maryam Abdullah will serve as programmer and delegate from Egypt, while Badie Massad will oversee the Short Films Program within the Arab section.

Mohie Qari continues in his role as director of the Saudi Program.

To facilitate international expansion, Fionnuala Halligan has joined as director of International Programs, working with a global team of advisers that includes British producer Mike Goodridge for the international program, and experts such as Toronto International Film Festival curator Giovanna Fulvi for Asian programming.

The diverse expertise of the team is expected to deliver an 'inspiring artistic program' for the upcoming festival edition.