“Opening the festival with a highly anticipated film like HWJN is a momentous event. With HWJN, Saudi cinema proves its capacity to bring together talents from across the Arab world at both the production and artistic levels. Through this choice, the Red Sea not only honors Saudi cinema but also all Arab talents, highlighting the remarkable progress that the Kingdom has witnessed in recent times.” RSIFF Arab Programs & Film Classics Director Antoine Khalife said of the opening night honor, which comes just six years after Saudi Arabia announced the lifting it 35-year cinema ban. Jeddah-Set Saudi Fantasy Romance ‘HWJN’ To Open Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival [Deadline]