Dakota Johnson & Ana de Armas Just Shocked Fans With Major Red Sea Festival Announcement

The Red Sea International Film Festival has expanded its star-studded “In Conversation” lineup with some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Dakota Johnson, Jessica Alba, Ana de Armas, Nina Dobrev, Kirsten Dunst, Queen Latifah, and Bollywood star Kriti Sanon are among the newly announced speakers set to participate in the festival’s fifth edition, which opens Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and runs through December 13, 2025.

The high-profile additions elevate the global prestige of the festival, which has rapidly become one of the most significant film industry gatherings in the Middle East. The “In Conversation” series is designed to provide audiences, filmmakers, and industry executives with rare access to intimate discussions about career journeys, creative processes, and personal insights from internationally celebrated talent.

These new speakers join an already stacked lineup that includes Oscar winner Adrien Brody, filmmaker Sean Baker, acclaimed director Kaouther Ben Hania of The Voice of Hind Rajab, and festival honorees Michael Caine, Sigourney Weaver, Juliette Binoche, Rachid Bouchareb, and Stanley Tong.

Spotlight on Global Collaboration

According to the festival’s official announcement, this year’s program prioritizes cultural and creative exchange by bringing together artists from East and West. The curated conversations aim to explore the evolving nature of storytelling and the future of cinema across different markets.

A spokesperson noted that attendees can expect candid reflections and meaningful dialogue, saying the sessions will reveal “practice, passions, and stories with fans, cinema lovers, and industry executives.”

Prestigious Projects on Display

The festival’s 2025 lineup includes major international premieres and high-visibility titles such as Angelina Jolie’s Couture, the political thriller The Wizard of the Kremlin starring Jude Law and Paul Dano, and Rupert Wyatt’s Desert Warrior, featuring Ben Kingsley and Anthony Mackie.

Filmmaker Sean Baker, whose latest drama Anora has generated awards-season buzz, will also serve as jury president this year. The festival is expected to draw large global attendance from producers, distributors, and buyers scouting for the next wave of standout titles.

A Growing Global Platform

Since launching in 2021, the Red Sea Film Festival has positioned itself as a key hub for supporting new voices, elevating regional cinema, and strengthening international partnerships. This year’s program is widely viewed as a major step toward shaping the Kingdom as a future film-industry powerhouse.

With world-class stars, high-impact premieres, and industry-shaping conversations, the festival is set to capture significant worldwide attention over the coming week.