Kaleem Aftab has recently resigned from his role as the Director of International Programming at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Aftab, a seasoned film writer, critic, and moderator, has been a crucial part of the festival’s programming team since its debut in 2021. At that time, the festival faced considerable skepticism and resistance within the global film community.
Despite expectations that he would continue his association with the festival for the foreseeable future, Aftab has chosen to step down due to personal reasons related to his family.
During his tenure, Aftab was instrumental in shaping the festival’s international program. After Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year cinema ban in 2017, his leadership helped introduce groundbreaking content. He notably provided a platform for African and Asian filmmakers and brought European films directed by second-generation filmmakers to Saudi audiences. From the outset, he also made the bold choice to include films featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes, a move that set the festival apart from many of its mainstream counterparts.
The festival’s organizers have expressed their gratitude and appreciation for Aftab’s contributions. “Kaleem has been with the Red Sea team for four years and has significantly contributed to establishing the festival as a notable event on the international film festival circuit. He played a crucial role in our development, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” stated the festival in a formal acknowledgment.
The fifth iteration of the Red Sea International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from December 4 to 13, 2025, in Jeddah, a major urban center on the Red Sea.
This development was first reported by Screen International.
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