The 3rd edition of the Red Sea Film Festival concluded on Thursday with a glittering closing ceremony attended by Hollywood luminaries such as Nicolas Cage, Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Jason Statham, and Adrien Brody. The coveted Golden Yusr for Best Film, accompanied by a $100,000 cash prize, was awarded to the Pakistani-Canadian horror film “In Flames,” directed by Zarrar Khan.
“In Flames” has been a standout at prestigious film festivals, earning acclaim at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival. The psychological thriller has now set its sights on the Academy Awards, being Pakistan’s official submission for the International Feature Oscar.
Premiering at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight earlier this year, the film’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Karachi. Centered around the aftermath of the family patriarch’s demise, “In Flames” explores the disrupted lives of a mother and daughter, besieged by both tangible and spectral entities from their history. Their bond emerges as their sole defense against the ominous forces looming over them.
The stellar cast includes Ramesha Nawal, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Mohammad Ali Hashmi, Adnan Shah Tipu, and Omar Javaid. Zarrar Kahn, the film’s writer and director, weaves a gripping tale, supported by producer Anam Abbas and executive producer Shant Joshi. As “In Flames” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, its recognition at the Red Sea Film Festival adds another accolade to its impressive list of achievements.
