Shivani Pandya Malhotra resigns as MD of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Festival

Shivani Pandya Malhotra has stepped down as general manager of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival, closing a chapter in which she helped build the event from the ground up and establish it as one of the Arab world’s premier film festivals and the leading movie market in the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region.

Founded in 2019, the Red Sea Festival launched its first edition in 2020, just two years after Saudi Arabia lifted its 35‑year ban on commercial cinemas. Under Pandya Malhotra’s leadership, the festival quickly grew in scale and prestige.

By its second year in 2022, the event drew nearly 40,000 filmgoers and more than 4,000 industry professionals over ten days, with Oliver Stone presiding over the jury. The 2023 edition, branded “Your Story, Your Festival,” featured Baz Luhrmann as jury president and showcased films such as Kaouther Ben Hania’s Four Daughters and Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry, co‑starring Johnny Depp—one of 170 projects supported by the Red Sea Fund. Last year’s star‑studded edition opened with Dakota Johnson, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, Queen Latifah, Vin Diesel, and Michael Caine on the red carpet, with Sean Baker heading the jury.

Reflecting on her tenure, Pandya Malhotra said: “After seven incredible years and five remarkable editions of the Red Sea International Film Festival, I leave with immense pride in everything we have built together.”

She expressed gratitude to chairwoman Jomana Al Rashid, CEO Faisal Baltyuor, colleagues, and the wider film community, adding that while she looks forward to her next chapter, the Red Sea Film Foundation will always hold “a very special place” in her heart.

Her departure comes a year after Faisal Baltyuor—widely regarded as a pioneer of Saudi Arabia’s film industry—was appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation, overseeing the festival, the Red Sea Fund, and year‑round Red Sea Labs. Sources suggest his vision for the festival diverged from Pandya Malhotra’s approach.

Baltyuor commented: “Shivani has played an important role in the Foundation’s journey, working alongside a talented team of Saudi and international professionals to help shape its growth. We thank her for her contributions and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”

With more than 25 years in entertainment, Pandya Malhotra previously managed the Dubai International Film Festival before its closure. She has recently moved into production, serving as executive producer on Sara Ishaq’s Yemen‑set drama The Station, which premiered to acclaim at Cannes Critics’ Week in May.