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The Red Sea International Film Festival: Unveiling Treasures

2024-11-18

The Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has emerged as a significant platform for showcasing cinematic gems. This year, it has revealed an exciting lineup of four movies in its Treasures strand, each with its own unique charm and significance.

Experience the Timeless Classics at the RSIFF

BREAD AND SALT

In the neighborhood of "Bread and Salt," Buthaina's life takes unexpected turns. After leaving for work and returning due to her father's passing, she is cared for by Haji Bhansi. However, she starts to stray from the neighborhood's ways and falls in love with Saber. Saber, in turn, criticizes her actions, leading her to flee the lane and work in a nightclub. This story unfolds against the backdrop of a community with its own set of values and challenges.The film beautifully depicts the struggles and choices faced by its characters, highlighting the complexity of human relationships within a specific social context. It showcases the depth and authenticity of Egyptian cinema, with its vivid portrayal of local life and emotions.

HEAT

In the heart of Los Angeles, an obsessive detective embarks on a pursuit of an equally obsessive and ruthless thief. As the story unfolds, we are left to ponder whether these two individuals are truly as different as they seem. The film's intricate narrative and the electrifying performances by Robert De Niro and Al Pacino redefine the crime thriller genre.Michael Mann's directorial prowess is on full display as he creates a tense and gripping atmosphere. The characters are brought to life with such authenticity that we find ourselves deeply immersed in their world. Heat is a testament to the power of cinema to tell compelling stories and evoke strong emotions.

SMILE THE PHOTO COMES OUT BETTER

Sayed Gharib, a photographer, leaves his hometown in search of a place near Qasr Al-Aini Medical School where his daughter Tahani has enrolled. At university, Tahani clashes with the aristocratic society and forms a romantic relationship with the son of businessman Tarek Ezz El-Din.This film explores themes of identity, social class, and the pursuit of dreams. It offers a unique perspective on Egyptian society and the challenges faced by its people. Through the eyes of Sayed Gharib and Tahani, we witness the struggles and joys of life in a changing world.

SHAFIKA AND METWALI

When Metwalli returns from working on the Suez Canal, he discovers a shocking truth about his sister. She is involved in a shameful liaison with the district chief's son. This revelation sets off a chain of events that test the bonds of family and society.The film delves deep into the themes of morality, honor, and the consequences of one's actions. It presents a thought-provoking story that makes us reflect on the values we hold dear and the choices we make in life.The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from Dec. 5 to 4, 2024. Supported by prominent sponsors such as Visit Saudi, MBC, and Genesis Mohamad Yusuf AlNaghi, the festival continues to shine a light on the great heritage of Arab cinema.

Kevin Costner, with his unwavering ambition, has been a significant figure in the world of cinema. His involvement in some of the biggest movies, both successful and not, showcases his dedication. One such project is "Horizon: An American Saga," a four-part epic Western tale that spans over a decade with a large cast.

Kevin Costner's "Horizon" - A Journey from Theatres to Screens

Chapter 1: The Arrival of "Horizon"

In the summer of 2024, the first "Horizon" movie made its way to cinemas. However, the response was underwhelming. The three-hour epic managed to earn just $38m (£30m) at the global box office, derailing the plans for the second chapter to be released theatrically just two months later. This left the future of the series in jeopardy.Kevin Costner portrays Hayes Ellison in "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1." His performance added depth to the story, but the lack of audience turnout was a setback. The completed film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, yet there is still no sign of it reaching the public on either cinemas or streaming platforms.

Chapter 2: The Awkward Limbo

"Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2" now finds itself in a strange state of limbo. Despite the filming for Chapter 3 taking place concurrently with the second movie, there is still more work to be done. Costner has noticed a significant change in the production process, with things becoming less free and easy compared to the start of the first movie.At an event organized by Deadline in November 2024, Costner acknowledged the increased difficulty. He expressed his determination to keep the franchise going, saying, "I'm hoping, I'm dreaming, I'm meeting all the billionaires that we all hear about - they're all hiding in the shadows." His words show his unwavering commitment to the project.

Chapter 3: The Critical and Audience Response

Only 51% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the first "Horizon" film a positive review, and theatrical audiences gave it a middling grade of B- via Cinemascore. This lack of critical and audience support makes it challenging for Costner to achieve his grand vision for "Horizon." Against this backdrop, it's hard to imagine how he can continue with the franchise.However, as several other auteurs have discovered, the small screen might be the answer. Television and streaming platforms have shown that they can attract audiences without the need for a big-name franchise identity. Costner himself is a prime example, with audiences eagerly watching his cowboy-hatted antics in "Yellowstone."

Chapter 4: The Future on Streaming

The future of Kevin Costner's "Horizon" franchise may lie on streaming services. While Costner believes in the big screen and the cinematic experience, the reality is that movies need to make money. With the first film not performing well at the box office, the sequels face an uphill battle.But Costner's determination is unwavering. He has already invested a significant amount of his own money into the project. If "Horizon" is to reach its conclusion, he will need the help of either audiences discovering his film or someone with deeper pockets."Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" is available on video-on-demand in the UK, giving viewers a chance to experience the first part of this Western epic.

Horror has always held a special place at the box office. In 2024, it has shown remarkable strength against the backdrop of struggling blockbusters. David Howard Thornton's return as Art the Clown in Terrifier 3 has been a standout success, grossing $85.2m worldwide from a $2m budget. This is a 42-time multiplier that few movies can match.

Unstoppable Horror at the Box Office

Terrifier 3: A Slasher Sensation

Terrifier 3 has taken the horror world by storm. Its ultra-gory content and intense story have captivated audiences worldwide. The film's success is a testament to the power of horror to draw in viewers even in a year filled with challenges for the film industry. With a budget of just $2m, it has achieved remarkable results, grossing $85.2m. This shows that horror movies don't need big budgets to be successful. They rely on their ability to scare and entertain. 2: The marketing of Terrifier 3 was also masterful. By keeping Nicolas Cage's terrifying performance hidden until the opening day, the film generated a lot of buzz. This approach shows that horror movies can use surprise and anticipation to build excitement among audiences. It also highlights the importance of marketing in the success of a horror movie.

Beetlejuice 2: Riding on Nostalgia

Tim Burton's Beetlejuice 2 has also been a success, earning $451m globally. The movie rode the waves of 80s nostalgia and Jenna Ortega's fame. It shows that horror movies can tap into popular culture and create a connection with audiences. By combining elements of the original film with new storylines and characters, Beetlejuice 2 has been able to attract both old and new fans. 2: The success of Beetlejuice 2 also highlights the importance of franchise movies in the horror genre. By building on the success of the original film, studios can create a loyal fan base and generate more revenue. However, it's important to maintain the essence of the original while adding new elements to keep the franchise fresh.

Alien: Romulus: A Scary Reboot

After a few misses for the Alien franchise, Fede Álvarez was able to make the xenomorph a scary beast again in Alien: Romulus. The movie received strong reviews and positive audience response, grossing $351m worldwide. This shows that horror movies can still be successful even in a crowded market. By focusing on the horror aspect and delivering a thrilling experience, Alien: Romulus has been able to stand out. 2: The success of Alien: Romulus also highlights the importance of directors in the horror genre. Fede Álvarez has a reputation for creating scary movies, and his work on Alien: Romulus shows that he is able to bring a unique vision to the franchise. His ability to create tension and suspense has been key to the movie's success.

Longlegs: An Intense Serial Killer Story

Osgood Perkins' Longlegs is another horror success story. The movie had a novel marketing campaign and generated a lot of buzz before its release. Its intense story and Nicolas Cage's terrifying performance have been praised by critics and audiences alike. Longlegs made $126m from a budget of $10m, showing that horror movies can be both successful and innovative. 2: The success of Longlegs shows that horror movies don't have to be formulaic. By taking risks and exploring new ideas, horror movies can stand out and attract audiences. Longlegs is a prime example of how a horror movie can use its unique story and marketing to create a buzz and generate revenue.

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