Female Representation in Film: Red Sea International Film Festival 2025

The Women in Cinema segment at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah showcased many of the familiar faces from the festivals opening night, each bringing their own signature style to the red carpet.

Fresh Twists on Familiar Glamour

Ana de Armas surprised onlookers by stepping away from her usual Louis Vuitton ensembles, opting instead for a Jenny Packham ivory Benue gown from the Resort 2026 collection. The elegant silhouette and detailed embellishments maintained her red carpet identity while introducing a new label into her rotation.

Back in Her Element

Dakota Johnson embraced her comfort zone with a lace-heavy Chlo Fall 2025 look. The lined bodice preserved the romantic feel of the runway piece while ensuring it suited the red carpet. Chopard diamonds completed the ensemble beautifully.

Lavender Statement

Jessica Alba donned a second Elie Saab gown during the festival, this time in a soft lavender tone. The simplicity of the design allowed the color to take center stage, creating a stunning visual impact without elaborate detailing.

Gucci Reinvented

Juliette Binoches Resort 2026 Gucci gown presented a sleeker and more refined interpretation of her previous Gucci appearance. The outfit retained the houses signature aesthetic while offering a fresher, modern attitude.

Subtle Sophistication

Kirsten Dunst moved from her Dior opening look to a more understated black tiered Valentino gown from Spring 2026, paired with Andrea Wazen Bowie mules. The ensemble highlighted refinement and elegance without relying on embellishments.

Jury Elegance

Naomie Harris continued her minimalist approach in a black-and-white ensemble. The look emphasized composure and practicality, reflecting the serious responsibilities of a jury member while remaining impeccably polished.

Consistent Sparkle

Natasha Lyonne stayed true to her signature style with a gold Dolce & Gabbana gown. Bold and radiant, the look captured her lively personality and celebratory spirit, bringing a joyful energy to the event.

Almost Perfect

Nina Dobrev impressed in a yellow Elie Saab gown paired with Anabela Chan canary diamond earrings. While the gown itself was radiant, the beige Jennifer Chamandi platforms slightly undercut the overall impact, with gold sandals potentially providing a stronger finish.

Regal Impact

Queen Latifah commanded attention in a dramatic suit with a train, perfectly complementing the festival stage and emphasizing a ceremonial elegance befitting the occasion.

Excess or Expression?

Rita Oras Elie Saab Fall 2025 Haute Couture gown sparked debate. While the color and lining were flawless, the combination of bow, cuffs, choker, and detailing felt overly busy, suggesting the gown might have benefited from a simplified approach.

Effortless Classic

Uma Thurman exuded timeless style in a Ralph Lauren Kristen tuxedo-inspired white dress, enhanced with Chopard emerald and diamond earrings, proving her ability to shine with understated elegance.

Author: Lucas Grant