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The Red Sea Film Foundation announced Monday that it has canceled its sixth edition, which was scheduled to take place from Dec. 3 to 12.
The event will now be pushed to the fourth quarter of 2027, following a comprehensive strategic review of its timing and logistical requirements.
"The decision follows a comprehensive review of a range of considerations relating to the timing of the next edition, including the logistical requirements involved in staging an international event of this scale,"
The release continues, "It reflects our commitment to ensuring the Festival takes place at the right time and under the right conditions to deliver the experience for which has become known."
Earlier this year, the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix auto race, scheduled to take place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from April 17 to April 19, was canceled due to the fallout from the war in Iran.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia faces escalating conflict with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who recently targeted a drone near Mecca and have been striking Saudi oil facilities and Red Sea shipping.
While the foundation hasn't cited the conflict as a reason for the delay, the regional tensions may be a factor.
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Founded in 2019 in Jeddah by the Red Sea Film Foundation, which was established by Saudi Minister of Culture Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud, the Red Sea International Film Festival is Saudi Arabia's flagship international film event.
The debut was originally planned for March 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the festival ultimately held its first edition in Dec. 2021. As part of a broader push to build up Saudi Arabia's film industry as the country opens up culturally and economically.
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