'In Flames' wins Best Feature Film while Pakistani stars dazzle at Red Sea Film Fest

With the curtain set to fall on its 10-day celebration on Saturday, the third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival continued to pack A-listers at The Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah. 

The winners of the film festival were announced Thursday and Pakistani filmmaker, Zarrar Kahn's In Flames won the Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film. In a video message shared on his Instagram, the director shared his excitement about bagging the biggest prize of the night. "I just found out that we've won the main prize at the Red Sea Film Festival. I wish I was there," Kahn shared ecstatically. 

"I can't believe it! I am so grateful to the jury, to the programmers, to everyone who watched and championed our film. This prize is life-changing for us, for Pakistani cinema, Pakistani independent filmmakers."  Kahn further went on to congratulate his cast. "There's a village and an army that came through to make this film," he concluded. 

Elevating the event’s glitz and glam, Hollywood personalities including Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Sharon Stone, Michelle Williams, Freida Pinto, Joel Kinnaman, Paz Vega, Sofia Vergara and Baz Luhrmann were seen in attendance.

From Pakistan, renowned actors Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan and Ahad Raza Mir marked their presence at the coveted event. While Mahira and Ahad are yet to post details from the Red Sea Film Festival, several pictures of the actors have been making rounds on social media. 

Saeed took to his Instagram handle to post pictures from the event and relayed his joy at catching a film from Michael Mann. In a warm caption to the post, Humayun penned, “Having a wonderful time at the Red Sea Film Festival.” 

Calling Mann his “favourite”, the actor expressed his glee, “Attended the world premiere of Ferrari - directed by one of my favourite directors Michael Mann; always an absolute delight to watch his work.” He added, “Thank you to the organisers of the festival for their hospitality, warmth & love - a great platform to connect with artists from all parts of the world.” 

Saeed showcased his outfits in a series of Instagram Stories, tagging his stylist Rao Ali Khan as the eye behind the look. Sharing pictures from two separate occasions, the celeb flaunted a brown suit paired up with a blue button-down by Amir Khan Couture. For the other look, the actor brought out an all-white ensemble consisting of a traditional kurta and pyjama.