Red Sea Documentary Days Returns to Jeddah: 7 Films You Should Have on Your Radar
Red Sea Documentary Days is coming back to Hayy Cinema in Jeddah from May 3–5, bringing together a tight and diverse lineup of documentaries from around the world.
The documentaries are curated as part of a collaboration between the Red Sea International Film Festival and Art Jameel. The three-day program is a mix of bold stories, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable moments.
We’re cutting through the noise to bring you our top picks.
The Brink of Dreams – Egypt
In a conservative village in Upper Egypt, a group of girls form an all-female theater troupe — and shake everything up. Directed by Ayman El Amir and Nada Riyadh, this Cannes-winning documentary follows their fearless fight for expression, freedom, and the right to take the stage.
Tell Them About Us – Germany/Jordan
In this vibrant and emotional doc, Jordanian filmmaker Rand Beiruty follows a group of Arab teen girls newly settled in Germany over four years. What unfolds is pure joy and resilience as the girls explore identity, creativity, and growing up far from home — refusing to be defined by hardship.
Yalla Parkour – Palestine
Filmmaker Areeb Zuaiter takes us through Gaza like you’ve never seen it — through the flips and jumps of parkour athletes pushing past rubble, memory, and limitations. What starts as a documentary about movement becomes a layered story about belonging, ambition, and survival in a world constantly on edge.
Othman in the Vatican – Saudi Arabia
Othman Al-Khozaim went from sketching in Al-Kharj to showcasing his calligraphy-inspired art in Rome and even caught the eye of Pope Francis. Directed by Yasir Bin Ghanem, this one’s all about mixing Islamic art with Western influence and finding your creative voice across cultures.
My Way – France
You know the song, but do you know the story? Directed by Thierry Teston and Lisa Azuelos, this documentary traces the wild journey of “My Way”, from its origins in France with Claude François to becoming a global anthem sung by everyone from Sinatra to Sid Vicious. Packed with never-seen-before stories and archival footage, it’s a full-on celebration of musical legacy.
4 Little Girls – USA
Spike Lee’s Oscar-nominated documentary revisits the 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, that killed four Black girls and shook the core of the Civil Rights movement. Through interviews and archival footage, Lee captures the devastating loss and the power of resistance in the face of racism. Still hits hard.
Aseer Memory – Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Al-Matali is out here preserving the past one book, photo, and village name at a time. Set in the Aseer province, this documentary by Saad Tahaitah is all about holding onto stories before they vanish, and why memory matters more than ever.
From intimate portraits of Saudi artists to global stories of resilience and rebellion, these documentaries do more than just inform — they connect. As the region’s documentary scene grows bolder and more diverse, Red Sea Documentary Days offers a rare chance to see the Arab world and beyond through the eyes of its own filmmakers.
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