JEDDAH – Consulate General of India, Jeddah hosteds ‘India Night’ Reception as part of its association with the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) 2024.
Celebrating the India-Saudi Arabia partnership in the domain of Cinema, Consulate General of India, Jeddah, on 9th December 2024, hosted ‘India Night’ reception as part of its association with the Red Sea Film Festival 2024 being held in the historic district (Al-Balad), Jeddah from 05-14 December 2024.
In the ongoing Red Sea Film Festival 2024, the Consulate General of India, Jeddah on behalf of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has set up ‘India Pavilion’ at the Red Sea Souq Exhibition area. Setting up of the ‘India Pavilion’ and hosting the reception marks the first collaboration of Consulate with the Red Sea International Film Festival.
During the reception, Consul General of India in Jeddah, H.E. Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, and famous filmmaker and director of International Film Festival of India, Shekhar Kapoor, addressed the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, Consul General, H.E. Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, highlighted that the festival not only brings together the best of global cinema but also offers a unique platform for fostering greater cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia. The cultural bond between India and Saudi Arabia has flourished over the years, and cinema, as one of the most powerful mediums of storytelling, has played a significant role in deepening this connection. He further added that the potential for collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of cinema is vast and full of promise. As we move forward, there are numerous opportunities for collaboration in filmmaking, talent exchange, and joint ventures that will further enhance the cultural ties between our two countries. The world of cinema is increasingly globalized, and India, with its vibrant film industry, offers a wealth of expertise, creativity, and a vast pool of talent.
In his remarks, Shekar Kapoor, who is heading a 3-member delegation sent by National Film Development Corporation, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, to the Red Sea International Film Festival 2024, highlighted about the spread of cinema in past few years in Saudi Arabia. He spoke about the stupendous success of the Red Sea Film Festival and how the film industries of both the countries can benefit from each other’s expertise. He talked about the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) recently held in Goa from 20th to 28th November 2024 and the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) to be held in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from 05-09 February 2025 and extended an invitation to the industry participants from Saudi Arabia and across the globe to participate in WAVES & leverage from the tremendous platform it offers.
The reception witnessed a specially curated cultural segment showcasing India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage by featuring Indian classical & cinematic dances by the artists from the Indian Community in Jeddah and live performances from talented artist (singer & violinist) from India, who beautifully presented famous compositions from Indian Cinema.
The event was attended by members of the Diplomatic Community from Jeddah, Esteemed filmmakers, artists, directors, producers, and guests from the Red Sea Film Festival, members of the Indian diaspora, friends of India in Saudi Arabia & media fraternity.
