Japanese filmmaker Akio Fujimoto has claimed the highest honour at the Red Sea International Film Festival, with his film Lost Land winning the Golden Yusr for best film, a landmark moment for Rohingya representation on the global cinematic stage. The award, which carries a cash prize of USD 100,000, was presented at the festival’s closing ceremony in Jeddah by jury president Sean Baker.
Lost Land is the first full-length feature to be made entirely in the Rohingya language. The film follows the journey of two Rohingya siblings escaping persecution in Myanmar, seen through the perspective of nine-year-old Somira and her younger brother Shafi. Their story traces a dangerous passage across borders, by land and sea, as they attempt to reach an uncle in Malaysia, portraying themes of displacement, survival and the harsh realities faced by refugee communities.
The Red Sea win adds to the film’s growing international recognition. Earlier this year, Lost Land premiered in the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival, where it received the special jury prize, and later secured the jury grand prize at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, establishing it as one of the most acclaimed independent films of the year.
At the same ceremony, the Silver Yusr for best film went to Cherien Dabis’ family drama All That’s Left of You, which also received a USD 30,000 award. The film, Jordan’s official submission to the Academy Awards, explores Palestinian history as part of a trilogy examining generational memory and loss.
Other major honours included Shahad Ameen’s Hijra, which won both the jury prize and the award for best Saudi film. Ameer Fakher Eldin was named best director for Yunan, while acting awards went to George Khabbaz for Yunan and Seo Su-Bin for The World of Love.
The 2025 edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival brought together filmmakers and stars from around the world. Indian actors Kartik Aaryan, Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon were among the prominent guests at the event, which concluded after several days of screenings, discussions and industry showcases.
