Red Sea Film Festival: Rime Sami Shines & ‘Rahin’ Premiere Details

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival kicked off December 6, 2025, with a blend of regional and international cinema and star power. The festival saw the world premiere of the Saudi Arabian drama “Rihin,” alongside appearances from prominent figures including French actress Juliette Binoche [[1]], [[2]] and [[3]].The annual event aims to foster the growth of the Saudi film industry and showcase cinematic talent from the Arab world to a global audience.

Actor Rima Sami turned heads with a striking look on the red carpet at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 6, 2025.

The festival hosted the world premiere of “Rihin” today, with the cast and crew in attendance. A bag carried by one of the film’s stars sparked curiosity, while another actor made a statement with a bird-themed mask.

“Rihin” centers on Satam, a young man plagued by bad luck and facing the potential loss of his mortgaged home. Desperate, he devises a daring plan to secure funds from his wealthy but miserly father. The film is a compelling story of desperation and familial dynamics, themes resonating with audiences worldwide.

Directed by Amin Al-Akhansh

The film is produced by Abdullah Arabi and stars Saeed Al-Uwairan, Yazid Al-Mujawil, Abdulaziz Al-Sakirin, Abdullah Al-Drees, Khalid Huwailan, Abrar Faisal, Mohammed Al-Dukhi, and Ali bin Mufrah. The screenplay is by Ahmed Amer and Abdulaziz Al-Eisa.

The Red Sea International Film Festival’s fifth edition also welcomed international star Juliette Binoche, who attended a screening of her film, “In-I in Motion.” The documentary chronicles her artistic collaboration with British dancer and choreographer Akram Khan.

“In-I in Motion” first premiered at the National Theatre in London. Khan and Binoche refined the work in a workshop with the help of American acting coach Susan Batson and movement director Hsu-Man Chu, and it was filmed by Marion Stalens, the director’s sister.

Born into an artistic family – her father was a sculptor and her mother an actress and literature professor – Juliette Binoche received her first acting lessons from her mother and developed a deep love for the art form, particularly theatre. This passion led her to leave her hometown in the Loire Valley and move to Paris at the age of seventeen to pursue her dreams. She continued her studies at the Conservatoire in the 10th arrondissement, then with Vera Crik, beginning her career performing roles in Chekhov and Pirandello plays before quickly transitioning to film.

Binoche made her big-screen debut in 1983 with “Liberty Belle,” followed by a series of supporting roles with prominent directors such as Jean-Luc Godard in “Hail Mary,” Jacques Doillon in “Life of Family,” and André Téchiné in “Rendez-vous.” In 1986, she received the Romy Schneider Award, recognizing her as a promising talent in French cinema. That same year, at the age of twenty-three, she gained international recognition alongside Daniel Day-Lewis in “The Unbearable Lightness of Being.” An American critic from the Chicago Sun-Times described her performance as “radiant and light in her beauty and innocence.”

In 1997, Juliette Binoche cemented her place in cinematic history, winning a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Hana in “The English Patient.” This achievement made her the second French actress to receive this honor.

Following “Another Woman’s Life” by Sylvie Testud and “Elles” by Malgorzata Szumowska in 2012, Binoche starred in David Cronenberg’s “Cosmopolis,” which competed in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival. She also served as the mistress of ceremonies at the opening of the 60th edition of the festival in May 2007.

Binoche’s talents extend beyond acting to include painting and dance. In 2008, she embarked on a world tour performing contemporary dance with English choreographer of Bengali origin, Akram Khan.

ريم سامي تتألق على السجادة الحمراء بمهرجان البحر الأحمر