The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), taking place from 4 to 13 December in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is set to spotlight a strong slate of East African cinema.
Of the feature films competing drawn from Africa, Asia, and the Arab world, three originate from East Africa, all presenting compelling stories.
Leading Kenya’s representation is Truck Mama, a feature-length documentary by Zipporah “Zippy” Nyaruri.
The film follows Eva, a single mother and truck driver in Kenya, who navigates dangerous roads to provide for her family. In a male-dominated world, she balances long hauls, including from Kenya to Sudan, calls to her children and daily challenges.
It explores resilience, courage and a mother’s unwavering love as she forges her own path.
With breathtaking landscapes and a glimpse into East African life, Truck Mama is an inspiring tribute to women who defy obstacles to pursue their dreams.
Uganda’s contribution, Mad Bounty and the Midnight Gun, is a tense thriller directed by Loukman Ali. Set against a post-colonial backdrop, the film follows a bounty hunter navigating Kampala’s criminal underworld.
From Somalia, Mohammed Sheikh’s debut feature Barni delivers a powerful coming-of-age story.
In the Red Sea Shorts Competition, Kenya’s Owadwa (Our Brother) by Shandra Apondi is among the standout entries.
The storyline follows a family poised between celebration and crisis. John helps his autistic brother, Mark Jr, prepare for their sister Mary’s wedding.
As family tensions rise, a sudden and unexpected incident exposes long-buried struggles and sacrifices. When Mark disappears just as the groom’s family arrives, John must find him, leading to a confrontation that leaves the family shaken and vulnerable.
The festival has also selected 40 feature films and series projects for this year’s edition of the Red Sea Souk Project Market, the Festival’s platform designed to bolster international co-productions and grant access to new projects and talent.
24 of the selected titles are currently in development or production, 12 of which have been developed by the Red Sea Labs over the year as part of the Feature Film Program.
Kenya is also represented in the programme with Nkanai, by Bruno Tanya.
Currently in development. It is about a Samburu woman who, after an injury, must reclaim her dignity by navigating dangerous terrain and betrayal with the help of a haunted tracker.