JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Festival unveiled its movie lineup, with a few surprises on the list, including Holocaust based film "Resistance" by Jonathan Jakubowicz. The film will be screened in Saudi Arabia before it is released in cinemas in the US in March. In light of the polarizing history of the holocaust in the Middle East, the decision to screen the film can be considered a significant move by Saudi Arabia, which is preparing for it's first international film festival. "Resistance" is selected to compete with 16 other films in the mean competition of the festival. The festival organizers announced that the competition selection this year opens a window to the world we live in with all of its current challenges. Prevalent themes are the advancement of women's rights with an intense look at the scourge of domestic violence, as well as immigration, in particular, concerning marginalized individuals. The movie tells the story of a French secret network, which saved the orphaned children of Jewish families from the Nazis, and the legendary mime who was part of its ranks. Marcel Marceau (Jesse Eisenberg) is the iconic silent hero, who sustained children's spirits through the art of mime, entertaining them to keep them quiet during the smuggled escapes to Switzerland. Encountering the worst horrors of World War II, French boy scouts aligned themselves with resistance fighters; their actions saved some ten thousand children. In a moment when religious and ethnic intolerance once again threatens the world, the film celebrates daily acts of bravery rooted in innocence, creativity, and love. At this year's festival, there will be cash awards totaling $250K for films in competition. The Golden Yusr Trophy for Best Feature carries a $100K cash prize and the Silver Yusr Trophy for Best Director comes with a $50K award. In addition, a Silver Yusr Trophy will be awarded for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Cinematic Contribution. A prize of $50K will go to the winner of the Audience Award.
