The Red Sea Film Foundation has cancelled the 2026 edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, saying in a statement that the sixth edition had been postponed to the fourth quarter of 2027.
The foundation said the decision “followed a comprehensive review of a range of considerations relating to the timing of the next edition, including the logistical requirements involved in staging an international event of this scale.”
The announcement follows weeks of speculation over whether the 2026 edition, scheduled to unfold from December 3-12 in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, would take place due to tensions across the entire Gulf region due to the U.S.-Israeli-Iran war.
Aside from the threat of Iranian missile strikes, Saudi Arabia is also dealing with a flareup in its conflict with the Iran-backed Houthi group.
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Beyond the geopolitical tensions, beyond its control, the festival has also been subject to internal debate about the future direction of the festival.
Since its launch in 2021, in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s lifting of its 35-year cinema ban at the end of 2017, the Red Sea International Film Festival has grown into the Gulf region’s main film festival with a steady flow of high-profile Hollywood guests, burgeoning market and industry events, and wide Middle East and international participation.
Beyond the recent geopolitical tensions, however, the festival has also been subject to internal and external debate about its future direction and funding.
The foundation made it clear in its statement that the festival will be back for sixth edition in 2027 with “a renewed vision and a programme that continues to celebrate cinema and filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the region and around the world.”
It also emphasized that will continue its year-round mission of supporting filmmakers and strengthening the film industries through the Red Sea Fund, Red Sea Labs and its wider programmes and initiatives.
As part of this continued commitment, the foundation said it will introduce year-round programming at Culture Square in Jeddah from November 2026, establishing it as an ongoing destination for film screenings, cultural events and specialised film-industry programmes.
“The Red Sea Film Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to filmmakers, partners, guests and audiences for their continued trust and support. We look forward to welcoming the global film community back to Historic Jeddah in 2027 for a sixth edition that celebrates cinema, creativity and cultural dialogue,” concluded its statement.
