The Vin Diesel Red Sea Festival brought an energetic start to Saudi Arabia’s fifth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, where Vin Diesel celebrated legendary actor Michael Caine on the opening night. The event on December 4, 2024, featured acclaimed international stars and highlighted the region’s growing influence in cinema.
Opening Night Sparks with Star Power and Anticipation
The red carpet glowed with celebrities as the festival hosted the Middle East premiere of Rowan Athale’s “Giant,” which is produced by Sylvester Stallone and features Amir El Masry portraying Prince Naseem Hamed and Pierce Brosnan as his trainer. The gathering saw well-known faces such as Dakota Johnson, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, jury president Sean Baker, jury members Riz Ahmed, Naomie Harris, Nadine Labaki, Olga Kurylenko, as well as Queen Latifah and Nina Dobrev, who contributed lively on-stage discussions earlier that day.
Yet, the most remarkable moment occurred when Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel, recipient of the 2024 Special Recognition Award, accompanied Michael Caine onto the red carpet. The two actors, who share a history from their collaboration on “The Last Witch Hunter,” were met with applause and posed together for photographers, setting a joyous tone for the evening.
Vin Diesel Pays Tribute to Michael Caine’s Legendary Career
During the opening ceremony, Vin Diesel reminisced about working with Michael Caine and addressed the festival audience. Pausing mid-speech, Diesel shared a lighthearted nod to jury president Sean Baker, offering,
“You’re making us all want to make independent movies,”
—Vin Diesel, Actor. He extended his signature humor with a testament to the festival’s growing prominence:
“You see more people from Hollywood here [in Jeddah] than at the Oscars.”
—Vin Diesel, Actor.
Diesel then turned his focus to the admiration he holds for Caine:
“Tonight is more special for me personally because I’ve been asked to recognize someone who you all know as one of the best actors who’s ever lived,”
—Vin Diesel, Actor. He continued by referencing a compliment from Uma Thurman, applauding Caine’s versatility:
“He’s been somebody that, as Uma Thurman said, could play character roles or main roles, and all the while has more charisma in his finger than most people in Hollywood.”
—Vin Diesel, Actor.
Michael Caine addressed the audience with characteristic wit and humility, saying,
“I’m here to get an award, which doesn’t surprise me. I won two Oscars,”
—Michael Caine, Actor. With three of his grandchildren by his side, Caine reflected on his life and career:
“I have a fabulous family that I adore beyond belief. I’ve had a fairly fabulous movie family, some who’ve let me down, and I love them beyond belief, including the failures. I kept going until I was 90, which is two years ago. I’m not going to do anything else, I’ve had all the luck I can get.”
—Michael Caine, Actor. He shared his emotions about the evening, telling attendees,
“And one of the luckiest things is tonight,”
—Michael Caine, Actor, and continued,
“I’m just so happy to be here. I’ve seen it on television but never won anything here, so I’m happy. I want to thank you for the surprise, because in show business you don’t get many surprises, you get a couple of shocks and that’s about it.”
—Michael Caine, Actor.
Diverse Honorees and International Guests Illuminate the Festival
Alongside Michael Caine, other honorees at this year’s Red Sea Film Festival include iconic names such as Sigourney Weaver, Juliette Binoche, Rachid Bouchareb, and Stanley Tong. The festival’s influence continues to expand, with expected appearances from Jessica Alba, Adrien Brody, director Darren Aronofsky, and Kaouther Ben Hania, director of “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” Their presence signals the festival’s reach in attracting both established and emerging cinema talents from around the globe.
Sean Baker, leading the festival jury, shared his thoughts on the location and cinematic evolution:
“While we are fighting to save screens in the U.S., in five years, hundreds of cinemas have opened here. That makes Saudi the fastest growing box office in the world. As a cinephile whose world is movies, the leaps and bounds happening here are insightful, inspirational and heartwarming.”
—Sean Baker, Jury President.
Jomana R. Alrashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, outlined the foundation’s achievements in fostering film talent across Asia, Africa, and the Arab world:
“We have quietly but surely built what many thought was impossible: an ecosystem where filmmakers from across [Asia, Africa and the Arab world] were empowered to lead.”
—Jomana R. Alrashid, Chairwoman. She highlighted the international recognition for films supported by the Red Sea Fund, noting its role in over 130 projects over five years.
Emphasizing the evolving opportunities for creators, Alrashid added,
“Where creators who once faced barriers now find open doors. This is the most precious gift a creator can have: access and a voice.”
—Jomana R. Alrashid, Chairwoman.
Global Artists and Their Stories in Focus
Among the honorees, Rachid Bouchareb expressed optimism for Arab filmmakers:
“Even in challenging times for the Arab world and its people I am glad to see us telling our stories and welcoming artists from all around the world.”
—Rachid Bouchareb, Filmmaker.
The celebration of international cinema continued as Jessica Alba presented an award to veteran stunt coordinator and Jackie Chan collaborator Stanley Tong, stating his influence
“shaped how we experience action on screen.”
—Jessica Alba, Actress. Tong shared thanks for those who believed in his vision throughout his storied career.
“For all the falls, tough shots and impossible action sequences, it taught me one thing: cinema belongs to those actors who never give up, like Jackie Chan,”
—Stanley Tong, Stunt Coordinator. Tong expressed hopes of returning to Jeddah to film a new Chinese-Saudi co-production starring Jackie Chan.
An emotional Juliette Binoche fought back tears on stage, confessing
“I am not going to cry,”
—Juliette Binoche, Actress, before reflecting on the unique spirit of the festival.
“Being in an international film festival is very special. It opens your heart even more. It gives so much horizon to your mind. I wish you the best festival ever. Thank you so much for this, it’s very special.”
—Juliette Binoche, Actress.
Red Sea Film Festival’s Growing Global Impact
The Red Sea Film Festival, unfolding in Jeddah from December 4 to 13, continues to cement its status as a vital hub for global storytelling, cultural exchange, and cinematic innovation. Through high-profile honors, international premieres, and significant recognition of both established legends like Michael Caine and rising talents, the festival not only amplifies Saudi Arabia’s role within the film industry but also offers new opportunities for collaboration and artistic expression among filmmakers worldwide. As Vin Diesel, Michael Caine, and an array of celebrated guests make their mark on Jeddah’s red carpet, the Vin Diesel Red Sea Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to unite audiences and artists on the world stage.
