Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival cancels its 2026 edition, which was scheduled for Dec. 3 to 12. The Red Sea Film Foundation says the sixth installment is postponed to the fourth quarter of 2027, with the festival returning under a “renewed vision.” The organizers say the change is intended to ensure the event occurs under suitable conditions.
All three outlets report that the foundation is conducting or has conducted a comprehensive review of factors affecting the timing of the next festival. The Hollywood Reporter adds that the decision comes as the region continues to deal with ongoing conflicts, while Variety notes the planned return in the fourth quarter of 2027 and highlights continuity in celebrating cinema. Deadline similarly frames the announcement as a postponement based on considerations tied to when the next edition can take place.
While the outlets differ slightly in emphasis—renewed programming versus broader timing considerations—they agree on the core points: the 2026 festival is canceled/postponed, and the next edition is planned for late 2027.
