Saudi-born actress and writer Aixa Kay has expressed her deep gratitude after being honored at the Women in Cinema Gala, hosted by the Red Sea Film Foundation alongside the Cannes Film Festival. The event took place at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, bringing together prominent figures from the film industry.
A Night of Recognition
Kay shared her appreciation on Instagram, writing: "Huge thanks to the Red Sea Film Foundation for this beautiful evening, the warm hospitality and for celebrating and empowering women in cinema on such a special night. Truly grateful for the recognition and this unforgettable experience at Cannes." She also posted photos of her attire, a pastel blue gown by Saudi designer Eman Alajlan, accessorized with jewels from Lustro, with the caption: "A little bit of sky, a little bit of cinema."
Kay's Career Highlights
Kay's work spans productions in Canada and Saudi Arabia, including the film "Saify," which premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival, and "Norah," which had its European premiere at Cannes. She has also starred in series like "Almarsa" and "Shari Al-Asha," both ranked in the top 10 on streaming platform Shahid across multiple countries.
Other Honorees and Attendees
Five other women were recognized for their contributions to cinema: Moroccan filmmaker Laila Marrakchi, Nigerian producer Genevieve Nnaji, Indian actor Tara Sutaria, Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo, and Indonesian producer Kamila Andini. Notable attendees included Red Sea Film Foundation chairwoman Jomana Alrashid, CEO Faisal Baltyuor, US actress Demi Moore, Tunisian star Dhafer L'abidine, German actress Diane Kruger, Saudi actress Lama Al-Kinani, Egyptian producer Mohamed Hefzy, Portuguese model and actress Sara Sampaio, Egyptian-American star Rami Malek, and US actress Michelle Rodriguez.
The Women in Cinema Initiative
Launched by the Red Sea Film Foundation, the Women in Cinema initiative aims to support emerging and established female creatives through mentorship, funding, and international exposure. Organizers stated that the gala continues to serve as a platform for fostering cross-cultural collaboration and highlighting stories from underrepresented regions.
