Red Sea Film Foundation backs 3 international films

Red Sea Film Foundation is investing in three star-studded movies. (Instagram)
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Updated 01 September 2023
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Red Sea Film Foundation backs 3 international films

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation announced on Friday that it is investing in three star-studded movies: Johnny Depp’s “Modi,” Michael Mann’s Venice title “Ferrari,” and Guy Ritchie’s Second World War spy action feature “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.”

Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Red Sea International Film Financing is a vehicle for us to support our acclaimed storytellers, great directors, and create the opportunity for cultural exchange.”




Mohammed Al-Turki at the premiere of “Ferrari.” (Ammar Abd Rabbo/Arab News) 

Al-Turki wrote on Instagram: “Following on from our first international co-production with Maiwenn’s highly anticipated Cannes opener ‘Jeanne du Barry,’ we are elated to be playing a part in the debut of Michael Mann’s powerful film focused on one dramatic year in the life of Enzo Ferrari, as well as supporting the making of Johnny Depp’s fascinating window into the artist Modigliani’s life and work — which puts Depp back behind the camera — and Guy Ritchie’s propulsive exploration of Second World War renegades through ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.’”

Details about the size of the investments are yet to be announced.




Adam Driver at the premiere of “Ferrari.” (Ammar Abd Rabbo/Arab News)

According to Deadline, the foundation also revealed that Depp’s movie, which is his second feature in the director’s chair following the 1997 feature “The Brave,” would act as a pilot for a new program in which Saudi interns would be welcomed to obtain hands-on training in various departments, including art, camera and production.

Al-Turki on Thursday attended the world premiere of “Ferrari” at the Venice Festival. He posed on the red carpet in a black tuxedo.




Patrick Dempsey at the premiere of “Ferrari.” (Ammar Abd Rabbo/Arab News)

Lebanese presenter Raya Abirached was also at the event and was spotted on the red carpet multiple times.

She wore an off-white guipure mermaid gown on the opening night adorned with delicate tassels of leaves and crystals by Syrian designer Rami Al-Ali.




Raya Abirached was spotted wearing a colorful glitzy dress by Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika. (Ammar Abd Rabbo/Arab News)

She was then spotted wearing a colorful glitzy dress by Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika. She accessorized her look with Bulgari jewelry.


Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

Updated 28 January 2026
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Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

  • Chakra introduces ‘new Parisienne attitude’
  • Top Arab designers also have shows in city

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Chakra has presented his Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, offering a contemporary interpretation of the house’s established design codes through refined silhouettes and detailed craftsmanship.

Drawing on the heritage of the maison, the collection revisited classic elements of elegance while introducing what the designer described in an Instagram post as a “new Parisienne attitude.”

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette, moving between pale blue, blush, lavender and gold across the runway.

The show featured a range of sculpted looks, with structured bodices balanced by feathered appliques, floral embroidery and layers of sheer tulle.

Strapless gowns with petal-like embellishments appeared alongside column dresses finished with subtle shimmer, while ruffled sleeves, organza capes and sheer overlays created volume and movement.

White gowns formed a central part of the collection, ranging from minimal silhouettes with clean lines to more elaborate designs incorporating veils, hats and lattice-style embroidery.

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette. (Getty Images)

Sequins, hand-applied florals and intricate beading appeared throughout the collection. The show concluded with a bridal look featuring sheer embroidery and floral detailing.

After beginning his career in Beirut, where he initially worked at his home studio following his graduation from an institution in Canada, Chakra founded his fashion house in 1985.

He later expanded his atelier to Paris, debuting on the Haute Couture Week calendar in 2002, and has since built an international reputation for couture and eveningwear, dressing a wide range of regional and global figures for major red-carpet appearances.

His designs have been worn by celebrities including Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyonce, Cara Delevingne, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Molly Sims and Andra Day.

Chakra was among several Arab designers featured during Paris Haute Couture Week this season.

Georges Hobeika and Tony Ward had already presented their Spring/Summer 2026 couture collections earlier in the week, while Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Rami Al-Ali are scheduled to show later on the official calendar.