Shivani Pandya Malhotra Resigns From Red Sea Film Festival Role

WHO:

Deadline - Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation

Variety - Shivani Pandya Malhotra, general manager of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Festival

WHAT:

Deadline - Shivani Pandya Malhotra has stepped down from her role after seven years.

Variety - Malhotra played an instrumental role in building the Red Sea International Film Festival from scratch and has contributed to its growth over five editions.

WHERE:

Deadline - The Red Sea Film Foundation is located in Saudi Arabia.

Variety - The Red Sea International Film Festival is held in Saudi Arabia.

WHEN:

Deadline - Malhotra's departure was effective as of June 1.

WHY:

Variety - The article suggests that her departure comes amid questions about the future direction of the festival.

HOW:

Variety - Malhotra helped turn the festival into one of the Arab world's most prominent festivals and the top movie market in the MENA region.

(UPDATED June 6, 2026 13:20 UTC)

Shivani Pandya Malhotra has stepped down as Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation after seven years, effective June 1. She played a crucial role in establishing the Red Sea International Film Festival, which has become one of the Arab world's most prominent festivals and a leading movie market in the MENA region. Her departure raises questions about the future direction of the festival, which is held in Saudi Arabia.