Naomi Campbell Stuns at Red Sea Film Premiere of ‘The Absence of Eden’
British supermodel Naomi Campbell graced the red carpet at the MENA premiere of The Absence of Eden during the third day of Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival. The star-studded event drew a diverse range of celebrities, with Campbell expressing her admiration for the festival’s growth and success.
I love what Red Sea has become and that it’s growing and growing and growing. And it’s really amazing and phenomenal what the team and Mo (Al-Turki) and Jomana (Al-Rashid) have created, Campbell said in a video posted on the RSIFF’s Instagram page.
The Absence of Eden marks the feature directing debut of renowned artist Marco Perego, who happens to be the husband of Marvel actress Zoe Saldana. Saldana, widely known for her role in The Guardians of the Galaxy, also attended the premiere alongside Perego. Another star of the film, Garrett Hedlund, graced the red carpet as well.
Hedlund takes on the role of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent grappling with the ethical challenges of his job. In the movie, he joins forces with an undocumented woman, portrayed by Saldana, as they try to rescue an innocent girl from the clutches of a ruthless cartel.
The Red Sea International Film Festival, running from November 30 to December 9, showcases films from various genres across 11 different categories. This year’s festival jury, led by director Baz Luhrmann, includes esteemed individuals such as Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman, Freida Pinto from Slumdog Millionaire, Egyptian actor Amina Khalil, and Spain’s Paz Vega.
The festival commenced with a grand screening of HWJN, directed by Dubai-based Iraqi filmmaker Yasir Al-Yasiri. HWJN, adapted from a book by Saudi writer Ibraheem Abbas, is set in modern-day Jeddah and follows the story of a compassionate jinn (a supernatural entity in Islamic tradition) who uncovers the truth about his royal lineage.
Lebanese actress Njeim, who was also in attendance, spoke with Arab News about the festival, emphasizing its significance for Saudi filmmakers. The festival marks a turning point for every ambitious Saudi filmmaker, providing excellent support for young talents to showcase their work at international festivals, she said.
The Red Sea International Film Festival continues to captivate audiences with its star-studded premiere screenings, bringing together celebrated figures from the world of cinema. With an array of noteworthy films and a focus on supporting emerging talents, the festival has established itself as a prominent platform for the region’s film industry.
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