May 14, 2025—The Red Sea Film Festival has appointed Fionnuala Halligan as Director of International Programmes, replacing Kaleem Aftab. In her new post, Halligan will partner with Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programs and Film Classics, to curate the festival’s global selection.
Halligan spent over a decade at Screen International, where she held roles as chief critic and executive editor. She began her career as a film critic for the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong and spent five years programming for the Macao International Film Festival. Her memberships include the London Film Critics’ Circle, BAFTA and the European Film Academy.
“I’m honored to join the Red Sea Film Foundation,” Halligan said. “After Cannes, I’ll focus on expanding our international lineup alongside this talented team.” Managing Director Shivani Pandya-Malhotra praised Halligan’s “impeccable taste” and deep knowledge of Asian and world cinema, noting her contributions will raise the festival’s profile.
The fifth Red Sea Film Festival runs December 4–13 in Jeddah. Halligan will begin her duties once she concludes commitments at Screen International following the Cannes Film Festival.