JEDDAH: Hollywood star Dakota Johnson captivated audiences at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival, marking her first visit to Saudi Arabia with an engaging “In Conversation” attended by a full house.

Known for her eclectic career choices, Johnson received an enthusiastic reception as she reflected on her creative evolution, her passions, and the future of her work at the film festival that runs in Jeddah from Dec. 4-13.

Johnson, an actor and producer known for performances in films including “Suspiria,” “A Bigger Splash,” and “Materialists,” has also carved out a strong identity as a champion of emerging storytellers through her company, TeaTime Pictures.

Opening the conversation, she expressed her delight at joining the festival for the first time.

“I’m very happy to be here,” she said, setting the tone for a warm and introspective discussion.

Johnson spoke openly about her early exposure to filmmaking, explaining how it shaped her desire to participate in storytelling beyond acting.

“I grew up in the industry. I grew up on a set, watching my parents work … I always wanted to be a larger part of the project,” she said. Johnson was born to actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith in 1989.

“I was always inspired by everyone behind the camera.”

That curiosity eventually pushed her toward producing.

“I just wanted to make my own projects and explore parts of myself and my artistry that I think other people weren’t seeing.”

TeaTime Pictures has since become known for character-driven narratives, particularly those centered on women.

Explaining what attracts her to these stories, Johnson said: “I think we’re drawn mostly to female-driven, human experience projects … we want to move the needle in terms of emotion and creativity and entertainment.”

Johnson’s newest project, “Materialists,” directed by Celine Song, explores modern relationships with elegance and emotional nuance. Johnson shared her admiration for Song’s vision.

“Celine Song, the director and writer, and then the script was incredible … I’m so drawn to love stories.”

She said the film allowed her to explore deeply personal themes.

“I learn the most from my relationships … So making a movie like ‘Materialists’ is all of those things in one.”

The film also resonated with her because of its commentary on social expectations.

“There’s so much pressure to have a life that you see in the media … perhaps being brave enough to be yourself is what I was interested in.”

During the session, Johnson spoke candidly about themes of identity and female experience, particularly as explored in her collaborations with director Maggie Gyllenhaal.

“I’m a human woman. I’m constantly trying to understand my identity … it’s a constantly evolving experience of just like every day, who am I now?”

When asked how she chooses roles, she explained that experience has taught her the importance of listening to her instincts.

“I’m learning more now how to choose what’s right for me … I want to evolve more and … go to places that I didn’t think I was able to go.”

She admitted that producing often presents bigger challenges.

“Producing is more challenging, because there’s something about acting where I feel I’m in a bubble, and producing you see behind the curtain and it’s really ugly.” Yet she embraces both, “I love producing … I love acting and then sometimes I’m like, I really hate this today.”

Johnson encouraged aspiring Saudi female creatives to be authentic yet thoughtful in their storytelling.

“Figure out a way to tell your truth honestly in a way that is digestible … Be real, be honest, be as authentic and as bold as you can be.”

As she closes one chapter and enters another, Johnson expressed excitement about global collaboration.

“I’m excited to collaborate with filmmakers from this part of the world … I want to bridge the gap and I want people to have more global access to all different kinds of films.”