CANNES – In a dazzling salute to women’s talent, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation rewarded Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez and Egyptian star Amina Khalil at the Women in Cinema Gala on the sidelines of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The gala, which took place on the festival’s glamorous fringes, was held to commemorate women from the Arab world and beyond who are redrawing the world cinematic map.
Jacqueline Fernandez, whose roles in Indian cinema have spanned diversity and causes, spoke with deep appreciation. “To be honoured among such strong, talented women from various cultures is incredibly humbling,” she added. Amina Khalil, an Egyptian media champion of women’s rights, described the occasion “”a beacon for representation and progress.”
The gala was hosted by the Red Sea International Film Festival and Vanity Fair together and featured emerging and renowned voices who are opening doors for film. Some other honourees were trailblazing directors, writers, and producers from throughout the Middle East and North Africa, representing a vibrant new wave of storytelling built upon authenticity and empowerment.
With Saudi Arabia’s ongoing initiative to empower female filmmakers and universal stories, the Women in Cinema Gala has emerged as one of Cannes’ most highly looked-forward-to fringe events. As diamonds flashed along the Croisette, the message was out: cinema’s future is female—and it’s global.
