JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival has closed for the remainder of Tuesday as rain and thunder hit the port city of Jeddah.

Oscar-nominated director Darren Aronofsky was just taking the stage in a cinema in Jeddah’s Cultural Square for an “In Conversation” presentation when the rain began to worsen. The filmmaker’s talk would become the festival’s final public event of the day, as all activities were cancelled, including an “In Conversation” panel with British actor Riz Ahmed, who is on this year’s jury. 

“Due to the unstable weather and heavy rainfall in Jeddah today, Tuesday, December 9, Culture Square and the Red Sea Souk will be closed for the remainder of the day to ensure everyone’s safety. All screenings, activities and programs today have been cancelled. Please stay tuned to our official channels and the festival app for any further updates. Note: Refunds for cancelled screenings will be provided,” read an announcement from the organizers.