Rowan Athale’s biopic GIANT will open The 2025 RED SEA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) will present Rowan Athale’s biopic GIANT as its Opening Night gala film for its fifth edition. From the British-Indian filmmaker, GIANT tells the uplifting story of British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed, and will screen in its MENA premiere on 4th December 2025.

GIANT recounts the remarkable and inspiring true story of legendary British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem 'Naz' Hamed – played by Egyptian-British actor Amir El Masry – and his relationship with Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, charting Naz’s rags-to-riches underdog tale from his humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming champion of the world. With his dominance of the sport, Naseem faced down the abhorrent racism and islamophobia that swept Britain in the 1980s and '90s to become a global sporting icon. The film explores the unlikely and tender relationship between Naz and Ingle, and the instrumental role that Ingle played on Naz’s road to success. An inspiring biopic of the boy behind the Prince — one of the greatest showmen the sporting world has even seen.

Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said “Our selection of “GIANT” as the opening film of the fifth edition embodies an artistic celebration of regional talents who have established their presence on the global film scene. Through the story of an Arab world champion in boxing, the film portrays a journey of perseverance that inspires generations and reflects pride in identity.highlighting the growing presence of Arab stars in international productions alongside global names, reaffirming that Arab cinema today stands as a powerful force in the global film landscape.”

About Red Sea International Film Festival
 

The Red Sea IFF is a grand celebration of film, bringing the best of world cinema to Jeddah. Over the past four editions, the Festival has premiered critically acclaimed award-winning filmmakers and films, classic cinema, and a spotlight on films from underrepresented voices underscoring the Festival's commitment to cinematic excellence and bridging cultures. 

The Festival has garnered significant recognition, winning many awards for best cultural and film events. It has achieved massive publicity, reaching millions of audiences worldwide, with thousands of press attendees. Regarded as Saudi Arabia's highest-profile and most anticipated event, the Festival has captured the attention and acclaim of renowned industry figures worldwide and has been attended by tens of thousands of accredited visitors. 

As the largest celebration of cinema and culture in the MENA region, the Festival features exciting new films on the big screen, alongside retrospective programs celebrating cinema masters, the latest Saudi films, feature and short film competitions, industry events, and masterclasses (In Conversations). 

For ten exhilarating days (December 4-13), the Festival will transform the historic Jeddah Old Town, Al-Balad, into a cinematic wonderland, captivating film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and global audiences alike for its upcoming fifth edition. Al Balad is recognized as a UNESCO site that offers a captivating cultural experience reflecting the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia.