Shivani Pandya Malhotra has stepped down as CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival, having played a pivotal role in building the event from scratch and transforming it within five years into one of the Arab world's most renowned festivals and a leading film market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The Red Sea Festival and Market, held in the city of Jeddah on the eastern shore of the Red Sea, was founded in 2019 and held its first event in 2020, two years after Saudi Arabia lifted a 35-year ban on commercial cinemas.
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In December 2022, the Red Sea Festival welcomed nearly 40,000 filmgoers and over 4,000 industry professionals over 10 days for its second edition, with Oliver Stone chairing the jury. For the 2023 edition, subtitled "Your Story, Your Festival," Pandya Malhotra and her team invited Baz Luhrmann to chair the jury and present films such as Kaouther Ben Hania's Four Daughters and director and actress Maïwenn's historical drama Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp—one of 170 films supported by the Red Sea Fund. Last year, Sean Baker chaired the jury for the star-studded Red Sea Festival, which opened with a red carpet appearance by Dakota Johnson, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, Queen Latifah, Vin Diesel, and Michael Caine.
«After seven incredible years and five wonderful Red Sea International Film Festivals, I leave with immense pride in everything we have achieved together,» Pandya Malhotra said in a statement.
«"It has been a profound honor to be part of the Foundation's journey from the very beginning and to witness its growth into a respected organization worldwide," she added. "I am deeply grateful to our Chairperson, Jomana Al Rashid; our CEO, Faisal Balthur; our leadership, partners, filmmakers, colleagues, and the entire film community, whose passion and dedication have helped shape this success. While I look forward to the next chapter, the Red Sea Film Foundation will always hold a special place in my heart," continued Pandya Malhotra.
Last year's Red Sea Festival also marked the first time the festival was held under the leadership of Saudi film industry pioneer Faisal Balthur, who was appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation in May 2025, which oversees the festival, as well as the Red Sea Foundation and its year-round Red Sea Laboratories.
According to sources, Balthur's vision for the festival's future development was believed to be at odds with Pandya Malhotra's methods of operation.
Baltiur commented: "Shivani has played a vital role in the development of the Foundation, working alongside a talented team of Saudi and international professionals to facilitate its growth. We thank her for her contribution and wish her every success in the next stage of her career.".
Pandya Malhotra, who has over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry and, prior to the Red Sea Festival, directed the now-defunct Dubai Film Festival, recently ventured into filmmaking as executive producer of Yemeni-Scottish director Sarah Ishak's drama "The Station," set in Yemen. The film premiered in May during Cannes Film Festival Critics' Week, receiving positive reviews.
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