Shivani Pandya Malhotra Steps Down as Red Sea Film Festival GM

Shivani Pandya Malhotra, a veteran of the entertainment industry with over 25 years of experience, has stepped down as general manager of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival. Her departure marks the end of a seven-year tenure during which she was instrumental in building the festival from the ground up, establishing it as a cornerstone of the MENA region’s film market.

Since its inaugural edition in 2020—held just two years after the lifting of a 35-year ban on commercial cinema in the Kingdom—the festival has undergone rapid expansion. Under Pandya Malhotra’s leadership, the Jeddah-based event evolved from a nascent project into a globally recognised institution, attracting high-profile international talent including Oliver Stone, Baz Luhrmann, and Sean Baker to lead its juries.

Did You Know? The Red Sea Film Festival was established in 2019, arriving only two years after Saudi Arabia officially lifted its 35-year ban on commercial movie theatres.

A Transition in Leadership

The departure coincides with a shift in the organization’s executive structure. In May 2025, Faisal Baltyuor was appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation, which oversees the festival, the Red Sea Fund, and the year-round Red Sea Labs. Last year’s festival was the first to be held under his oversight.

While both parties have acknowledged the significance of the foundation’s growth, sources suggest that a divergence in professional vision may have influenced this leadership change. It is believed that Baltyuor’s strategic direction for the future of the festival clashed with Pandya Malhotra’s established mode of operation.

Expert Insight: The transition at the Red Sea Film Festival highlights the inherent tension between the foundational phase of a cultural institution and its subsequent maturation. When a festival moves from a startup phase—often characterized by aggressive, hands-on growth—to a more institutionalized structure under a new CEO, shifts in management style are common. The challenge for the organization will be maintaining its international momentum while navigating this change in leadership vision.

The Road Ahead

For the Red Sea Film Festival, the departure of its longtime general manager signals a potential pivot. As the organization transitions fully into the vision set by Baltyuor, observers will be watching to see how the festival’s programming and industry relationships evolve. The foundation remains a critical player in the regional film economy, having supported 170 films through its fund.

Red Sea Film Festival: Shivani Pandya in conversation with Nadia Denton

For Pandya Malhotra, the next chapter appears to lean into creative development. Having recently served as an executive producer on the drama The Station, which premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week, she is well-positioned to leverage her extensive background in the entertainment industry to pursue new ventures in production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Shivani Pandya Malhotra leaving the Red Sea Film Festival?
Pandya Malhotra has stepped down after seven years with the organization. While she noted her pride in the festival’s growth, sources indicate that her departure followed a clash between her mode of operation and the vision of CEO Faisal Baltyuor.

What is the scope of the Red Sea Foundation?
The Foundation serves as the governing body for the Red Sea International Film Festival, the Red Sea Fund, and the year-round Red Sea Labs.

What is Pandya Malhotra’s background in the film industry?
She has over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Prior to her work with the Red Sea Film Festival, she managed the now-defunct Dubai Film Festival and has recently moved into film production.

What do you think the next phase of the Red Sea Film Festival will look like under this new leadership?