Red Sea International Film Festival

Delivering a world-class live and televised finale for global cinema

For the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, the Red Sea Film Foundation appointed Imagination to deliver the Closing Award Ceremony. As the definitive finale to a week-long celebration of global cinema, the project was a high-stakes, live televised production. Our strategic approach fused architectural stage design with broadcast discipline, creating a prestigious, emotionally resonant ceremony that celebrated Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning role on the international film stage for a global audience of millions.

The Closing Award Ceremony had to function flawlessly across three distinct dimensions: as a prestigious live theatrical experience for VIP guests, a globally broadcast television show, and a symbolic conclusion to a week of international diplomacy and art.

Imagination was tasked with maintaining absolute broadcast discipline and pacing while remaining flexible to the evolving creative inputs of a live awards show. The challenge lay in orchestrating a seamless flow between stage design, live orchestral music, and complex talent transitions, all while under the scrutiny of a fixed international broadcast window and a red-carpet guest list of global icons.

A stage built for the screen

Imagination designed a bold, cinematic environment that served as a physical extension of the silver screen. Anchored by a monumental central screen and layered scenography, the stage provided a flexible yet elegant backdrop. Every angle was optimised for broadcast cameras, ensuring that the lighting and textures supported high-definition storytelling while providing a grand, immersive atmosphere for the guests in the room.

Choreographed emotion

To elevate the awards into a fully immersive experience, we commissioned a bespoke orchestral score. These compositions were performed live, tightly choreographed with lighting and digital content to build anticipation and celebrate the winners. This “total-theatre” approach ensured that the emotional arc of the evening resonated as strongly with a viewer watching at home as it did with the audience in the front row.

Flawless execution under pressure

Broadcast live on 11 December, the ceremony required military-grade precision in show-calling and talent management. From managing the transitions of stars like Shailene Woodley and Idris Elba to real-time adjustments in content playback, the Imagination team delivered a polished, 90-minute live production. The result was a seamless broadcast that maintained its energy and prestige from the opening sequence to the final “Golden Yusr” presentation.

A festival finale that resonated worldwide

The Closing Award Ceremony marked a powerful conclusion to the festival, celebrating filmmakers and stories from across the world while reinforcing the Red Sea International Film Festival’s growing global stature. The result was a confident, visually striking, and emotionally engaging finale that resonated with audiences both in the room and watching worldwide.

For the audience

Whether attending in person or watching via broadcast, the audience experienced a world-class celebration of cinema. The high production values and cinematic pacing transformed a traditional awards presentation into an engaging piece of “must-watch” entertainment.

For the brand

The Red Sea International Film Festival was successfully positioned as a top-tier fixture on the global festival circuit. By delivering a broadcast of this calibre, Imagination helped reinforce Saudi Arabia’s status as a major player in the global film industry, demonstrating an ability to host high-pressure, high-profile cultural events that meet the most rigorous international standards.