Saudi Documentary Seven Summits to Premiere at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival
The team behind the Saudi documentary Seven Summits announced the film’s official selection for the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, taking place from December 4 to 13 in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district. The film is set to make its premiere with two screenings: December 5 at Culture Square – Cinema 4, and December 7 at Cinema 5.
Seven Summits traces the extraordinary expedition of Saudi entrepreneur and adventurer Dr. Badr Al Shibani, who completed the iconic Seven Summits Challenge, trekking and climbing the highest peak on every continent. His journey embodies the discipline, determination, and resilience that Saudi Vision 2030 seeks to inspire across the nation.
This year, the documentary is featured among five titles selected for the “New Saudi Cinema – Feature Films” program, spotlighting the work of a new generation of Saudi documentary filmmakers.
Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Amir El-Shenawy, the project brings one of the region’s most accomplished documentary voices to the screen. El-Shenawy holds a Master’s in Screen Documentary from Goldsmiths, University of London, and his debut feature Kilo 64 received the First Film Award at the Egyptian National Film Festival.
The film is co-produced by Madlja Media Production, a Saudi company specializing in Arabic nature and adventure-focused storytelling and an active contributor to the growth of the national film industry alongside producer and entrepreneur Roaa Al-Madani, whose work has helped shape the current landscape of Saudi cinema. Her productions have elevated the international profile of Saudi filmmaking, earning recognition for her contributions and leadership.
As its name suggests, the documentary captures Dr. Al Shibani’s ascent of the world’s seven summits; Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, Aconcagua, Everest, Denali, and Kosciuszko portraying both the physical demands of the climbs and the internal journey that unfolded throughout the expeditions.
Seven Summits introduces a contemporary approach to Saudi documentary cinema, blending vivid visual storytelling with authentic human experiences. It reflects the remarkable progress of local content and production standards, moving beyond the adventure itself to explore moments of resilience, and personal transformation pushing past limits, confronting discomfort, and ultimately reaching the summit both literally and symbolically.
Reflecting on the film, Dr. Al Shibani said:
“Seven Summits recounts my personal experience with challenge and discipline. It is an honest attempt to show what a person discovers when they step outside their comfort zone. The film documents the journey and the lessons young people can draw from it as they shape their personal and professional lives.”
He added:
“Our participation in the Red Sea Film Festival is an important opportunity to advance Saudi storytelling and content rooted in real experiences, and to contribute to building national role models that support the goals of Vision 2030 particularly quality of life and youth empowerment. I hope the film offers meaningful insight and sparks a conversation about challenge, decision-making, and responsibility.
Dr. Badr Al Shibani is a Saudi entrepreneur and adventurer whose expeditions include crossing the Empty Quarter and tracing the route of the Prophet Muhammad’s Hijra on foot. He is an MBA holder and the founder and CEO of Kai Holding Group and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Kingdom’s most creative entrepreneurs.
