Women dominated the conversation on the third day of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, where high-profile panels and masterclasses placed the spotlight firmly on creative leadership rather than star appearances. The day signalled a notable shift within the festival, as female voices set the agenda across discussions on craft, representation and decision-making in global cinema.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opened proceedings with a measured, introspective session that touched on balancing motherhood with a long career, her Miss World legacy and the pressures of maintaining visibility in the digital age. She said her professional choices had not been shaped by insecurity, but by clarity and consistency, a theme that underscored much of the day’s dialogue.
Ana de Armas followed with a more pragmatic account of her route from Havana to Hollywood. She spoke about early financial struggles, language challenges and the work required to build characters through focused observation. Her candid remarks struck a chord with the film students in attendance, who described her session as one of the festival’s most instructive.
Queen Latifah expanded the conversation to issues of representation and institutional support. She argued that progress in the industry is cumulative, noting that when a woman advances, the effects often extend to many others. Her comments reflected broader discussions at the festival about how cultural institutions can strengthen female leadership.
Dakota Johnson offered an unfiltered look at the realities of producing, highlighting the financial risks and difficult decisions that come with creative control. She emphasised that genuine empowerment involves navigating uncertainty rather than relying on established structures.
