Saudi Film Fest: From Critic to Curator

Fionnuala Halligan has transitioned from a career in film criticism to leading international programming at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Having spent over two decades as chief critic for Screen International, she now shapes the festival's global outreach, focusing on cinema from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world. Halligan emphasized her admiration for the festival's unique approach, distinct from traditional Western models.

Her programming strategy prioritizes representation, diversity, and gender equality, with 37 percent of the 2025 lineup directed by women. Halligan works closely with co-director Antoine Khalife, who focuses on Arabic cinema, to curate sections like Main Competition and Festival Favorites. While the festival attracts A-list talent, Halligan clarifies that celebrity appearances are secondary to the films themselves, ensuring artistic merit remains paramount.

Halligan views her role as facilitating a cultural conversation within Saudi Arabia, a nation rapidly expanding its cinematic landscape since cinemas reopened in 2018. She navigates cultural sensitivities by respecting local customs while introducing diverse and sometimes challenging films. Despite recent discussions surrounding Western artists in Saudi Arabia, Halligan states that the festival's long-term commitment to building a comprehensive film industry platform has not led to significant reluctance from participants.