Egyptian film ‘Tuk-Tuk’ goes international

“Tuk-Tuk” film still.
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Updated 17 January 2021
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Egyptian film ‘Tuk-Tuk’ goes international

DUBAI: The Egyptian film “Tuk-Tuk” is set to make its international premiere at France’s Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival on Jan. 29.

After this it will be shown at the 29th edition of the Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), which will run from Jan. 29 to Feb. 6.

The Mohamed Kheidr-directed short tells the story of a young woman named Walaa, portrayed by Miss Egypt 2009 Elham Wagdi, who is forced to become a rickshaw driver to support her family after she is abandoned by her husband who has illegally fled the country.

The Los Angeles-based film festival was established in 1992 to promote creative works that highlight the diverse stories of Africa and the global black diaspora.

Each year, the cinematic event showcases more than 150 new films from countries including the US, Africa, Latin America and Europe.


Jessica Alba hails AlUla during Saudi Arabia visit

Updated 19 December 2025
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Jessica Alba hails AlUla during Saudi Arabia visit

  • On her Instagram profile, Alba described AlUla as “pure magic, calm, protected, deeply serene”

LONDON: Hollywood star Jessica Alba shared her admiration for AlUla during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, sharing a video of the ancient desert destination on her social media channels.

The short clip, posted Dec. 10, showed the “Fantastic Four” star spinning on the spot with the famous rock formations in the background.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba)

On her Instagram profile, she described AlUla as “pure magic, calm, protected, deeply serene,” adding: “Every direction carried the weight and beauty of ancient history - like wandering through a living museum.” 

The actress was in the Kingdom earlier this month to attend the Red Sea International Film Festival.

The actress was among a host of global stars who attended the the fifth edition of the RSlFF, which kicked off on Dec. 4 with a glittering red-carpet ceremony at Culture Square, the festival’s open-air hub.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba)

Alba joined an A-list lineup that included the likes of Adrien Brody, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kirsten Dunst, Vin Diesel, Queen Latifah, Dakota Johnson, Ana de Armas, Riz Ahmed, Naomie Harris and Uma Thurman, alongside Saudi, regional stars and international film legends.

The event ran until Dec. 13 and showcased more than 100 films from over 50 countries, with its mission to bridge East and West while spotlighting voices from the Middle East and Africa.

During her visit to the Kingdom, Alba also shared several “get ready with me” clips and behind-the-scenes shots from the red carpet ceremony.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba)

Alba’s visit comes as Saudi Arabia continues to attract global creatives and cultural figures, with AlUla increasingly positioned as a must-visit destination for international visitors as well as a shooting location for some of Hollywood’s biggest studios.