Rowan Athale’s biopic Giant, starring Amir El Masry, as British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed, will open the fifth edition of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival.
The news was announced as the festival unveiled key sections for its upcoming edition, which will run from December 4 to 13 in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.
Giant follows the rise of Hamed and his relationship with Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, charting his rags-to-riches underdog tale from his humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming champion of the world.
It also tackles how he faced down racism and islamophobia that swept Britain in the 1980s and ’90s to become a global sporting icon.
The film explores the unlikely and tender relationship between Naz and Ingle, and the instrumental role that Ingle played on Naz’s road to success.
“Our selection of Giant as the opening film of the fifth edition embodies an artistic celebration of regional talents who have established their presence on the global film scene,” said Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said
“Through the story of an Arab world champion in boxing, the film portrays a journey of perseverance that inspires generations and reflects pride in identity.highlighting the growing presence of Arab stars in international productions alongside global names, reaffirming that Arab cinema today stands as a powerful force in the global film landscape.”
More to follow…
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