Shivani Pandya Malhotra Departs Red Sea Film Festival Management

Shivani Pandya Malhotra has concluded her tenure as the managing director of the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, an event she helped establish and grow into a major cinematic and market force within the Middle East and North Africa. Her departure marks the end of an influential period during which the festival achieved significant international recognition. The change comes amidst reports of differing strategic approaches with the newly appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation, Faisal Baltyour, signaling a new direction for the organization.

Shivani Pandya Malhotra's exit from her leadership role at the Saudi Arabian Red Sea Film Festival signals a new phase for the prominent cultural event. Having served seven years, including five editions of the festival, Malhotra was pivotal in transforming it from its inception in 2019 into a globally respected institution and the premier film market in the MENA region. Her dedication and vision were crucial in attracting international talent and showcasing diverse cinematic works, establishing the festival as a key player in the global film landscape.

A Legacy of Growth and Global Recognition

Shivani Pandya Malhotra's seven-year journey with the Red Sea Film Festival culminates in her stepping down as its General Manager. She was a foundational figure in its establishment in 2019, steering its growth from the ground up, just two years after Saudi Arabia lifted its long-standing ban on commercial cinemas. Under her guidance, the festival blossomed into a preeminent film event in the Arab world, notably becoming the top film market across the Middle East and North Africa.

The festival, based in Jeddah, experienced remarkable expansion during Malhotra's leadership. Its second edition in December 2022 drew nearly 40,000 cinephiles and over 4,000 film industry professionals, featuring a jury led by esteemed director Oliver Stone. The 2023 iteration, themed “Your Story, Your Festival,” saw Baz Luhrmann preside over the jury, presenting films such as “Four Daughters” by Kaouther Ben Hania and Maïwenn’s “Jeanne du Barry,” co-starring Johnny Depp, both supported by the Red Sea Fund. The most recent festival, graced by stars like Dakota Johnson, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, and Vin Diesel, further solidified its global standing. Malhotra expressed deep pride in the collective achievements, acknowledging the passion and dedication of her team, partners, and the wider film community in forging its success. Her prior experience managing the Dubai Film Festival undoubtedly contributed to her instrumental role in cultivating the Red Sea Film Festival's international prestige.

Leadership Transition and Future Direction

The departure of Shivani Pandya Malhotra as General Manager of the Red Sea Film Festival signifies a significant transition in leadership. Her decision to step down comes after years of devoted service, during which she was instrumental in the festival's foundational development and its rise to regional prominence. This change is understood to be influenced by a divergence in operational visions with the Red Sea Foundation's new CEO, Faisal Baltyour.

Faisal Baltyour, a veteran in the Saudi Arabian film industry, took the helm as CEO of the Red Sea Foundation in May 2025. This foundation not only oversees the annual festival but also manages the Red Sea Fund and its year-round Red Sea Labs initiatives. Sources indicate that Baltyour’s strategic outlook for the festival differed from Malhotra's established operational methods. Baltyour recognized Malhotra's pivotal role in the Foundation's development, highlighting her contributions alongside a diverse team of professionals in shaping its trajectory. He extended his gratitude for her service and wished her success in her future endeavors. Malhotra, boasting over 25 years in the entertainment sector and previous experience with the Dubai Film Festival, has recently ventured into film production, with her executive producer role on Sara Ishaq’s "The Station" premiering successfully at Cannes Critics’ Week, indicating her continued influence in the cinematic world.