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My First Date with Cinema: A Day at the Red Sea Film Festival.


There is a first time for everything, and for me, the world of international film festivals opened its doors in the heart of Jeddah. It was the final day of the Red Sea Film Festival , and I finally managed to secure a spot in this grand celebration of storytelling.

The Race Against Time

Scanning the schedule, one title caught my eye: Black Dog , a Chinese film that seemed promising. I booked my ticket online and waited for my shift to end. By 3:00 PM, I was done with duty, and after a quick meal, I was ready to head out by 4:00 PM.

The journey to Al-Balad, however, tested my patience. I waited nearly 20 minutes for the regular bus. While a taxi crossed my mind, my pocket reminded me to stick to the budget. Due to festival road closures, the bus took a long detour through Sharafiyah. I was gripped by tension; the ticket clearly stated that entry wouldn't be allowed once the screening began.

I finally hopped off the bus near Juffali Mosque with only minutes to spare until 5:00 PM. What followed was a literal sprint.

Into the World of 'Black Dog'

After a quick security check, I entered the beautifully decorated festival grounds. There was no time to admire the scenery yet; I dashed into the main building and headed to the first floor via a massive escalator.

At the hall entrance, the staff took my phone and sealed it in a black security pouch to prevent any filming. When I finally stepped inside, the movie had already begun. The theater was premium, well-organized, and about three-quarters full.

The Movie Experience:

Black Dog tells the poignant story of Lang, a man recently released from prison, and his relationship with a stray black dog. Though the dialogue was in Chinese, the English subtitles made it easy to follow.

  • The Standout Feature: The cinematography. The camera work was so immersive that it felt as if the entire theater was moving along with the lens. It wasn't just a movie; it was a visual journey.


A Red Carpet Farewell

Once the film ended and my phone was "unlocked," I finally stepped out to see the festival in its full glory. The entire area was bathed in light and draped in vibrant red carpets .

By the lakeside, the words "Red Sea Film Festival" glowed in giant letters—a perfect backdrop for the night. I saw groups of volunteers gathering to celebrate the final day. I even met a fellow Malayali family who had just finished watching a Hindi film.

One of the most striking sights was a building facade used as a massive screen for video projections. On my way back, I passed the "Festival Garden," though it was closed to the general public.


Heading Home

As I boarded the bus from Al-Balad back to my room, the rush of the afternoon had faded, replaced by a quiet sense of fulfillment. My mind was a blur of two things: the haunting gaze of the black dog from the film and the shimmering, red-lit streets of Jeddah.

My first film festival wasn't just about a movie; it was about the chase, the atmosphere, and the discovery of a new world.

About the Author

Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com, a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.


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