Hollywood star Michelle Rodriguez talks women in cinema at RSIFF 

Michelle Rodriguez shed light on her career choices. (Getty)
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Updated 07 December 2023
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Hollywood star Michelle Rodriguez talks women in cinema at RSIFF 

JEDDAH: Hollywood star Michelle Rodriguez sat down at the Red Sea International Film Festival’s Talent Days forum on Wednesday to shed light on her career choices, as well as the role of women in cinema.  

Moderated by Saudi actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah, the pair chatted candidly on the perceived divide between old Hollywood and television, with Rodriguez stating: “There is always a wall between old Hollywood and television where there are certain people you know in the industry wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole, and that has to do with the susceptibility.” 




The session was moderated by Saudi actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah. (Getty)

Known for her roles in action movies, including the fan-loved “Fast & Furious” franchise, Rodriguez reminded the audience that “films are about discovery and teamwork as much as it is about vision and storytelling.” 

Rodriguez also discussed her criteria for selecting movies, highlighting her commitment to avoiding projects that contain nudity, negative portrayals of women, or drug dealers. 

“I can’t play any negative character that misrepresents a woman as it is forbidden and I need to give little girls something else to see. If the script has a drug dealer or something like this, I will say no,” she said. 




Rodriguez discussed her criteria for selecting movies, highlighting her commitment to avoiding projects that contain nudity, negative portrayals of women, or drug dealers. (Getty)

Reflecting on the representation of women in the film industry, Rodriguez noted the positive changes both on and off screen, saying: “The representation of women has changed... there are doors opening... it’s time for women to discover what that power is.” 

Speaking of Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Rodriguez commended his support for women in the industry.  

“He has got more women in his film festival than any other film festival worldwide. His support, his desire to give voice to women is unparalleled. Nobody else does that,” she said. 

The Red Sea International Film Festival runs until Dec. 9. 


Amina Muaddi spotlights Rihanna’s love for her designs

Updated 27 December 2025
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Amina Muaddi spotlights Rihanna’s love for her designs

DUBAI: Romanian Jordanian designer Amina Muaddi this week shared a selection of her favorite looks worn by Rihanna throughout December, highlighting several recent public appearances.

Earlier this week, Muaddi posted an image of the Fenty Beauty founder in Los Angeles, where she was spotted grocery shopping wearing snake-printed pointed-toe heels from the designer’s collection.

Rihanna styled the shoes with a bright-red leather jacket layered over a white top, pairing the oversized, structured piece with loose black wide-leg trousers worn low on the waist.

She later wore a similar snake-print design, this time in boot form, for a dinner outing. For that look, Rihanna opted for a plaid zip-up jacket by Miu Miu, styled with a long Balenciaga skirt.

Another outfit shared by Muaddi was from Rihanna’s appearance at the 35th Gotham Film Awards in New York City. The singer stepped out in a flowing lavender satin gown worn off the shoulders, featuring a relaxed, draped silhouette. She completed the ensemble with open-toe stiletto sandals from Muaddi’s designs in a matching pale lilac shade.

Muaddi also highlighted a more casual winter outing, where Rihanna wore pointed-toe snake-embossed stiletto pumps styled with a brown-and-cream faux-fur coat draped over a black top, paired with slim trousers, tinted rectangular sunglasses and minimal jewelry.

No one has an affinity for Muaddi’s shoes quite like Rihanna.

The singer-turned-designer has an unparalleled collection of heels by the designer, which have become her go-to choice of footwear whether she is attending red-carpet events, fundraising galas, taking an off-duty stroll or stepping out to dinner with her partner A$AP Rocky.

The artists have both collaborated with the designer in the past.

In 2020, the Paris-based designer teamed up with the rapper’s creative agency AWGE on a four-piece collection of flared pumps and lace-up heels.

The collection marked A$AP Rocky’s first foray into women’s footwear and was Muaddi’s first collaboration for her own brand, though she also released a limited-edition footwear capsule collection with Rihanna’s Fenty label that same year.

The collaboration was honored as Collaborator of the Year at the 34th FN Achievement Awards.

Following the sell-out success of the first collection, Rihanna enlisted Muaddi to design yet another collection for Fenty.