Shivani Pandya Malhotra has stepped down as general manager of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Festival, an event she played an instrumental role in building from its inception. Over the course of five editions, she transformed the festival into one of the Arab world's most prominent film events and the top movie market in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.

The Red Sea fest and market is held in the city of Jeddah, on the Red Sea’s eastern shore. It was established in 2019, with its inaugural edition taking place in 2020, two years after Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year ban on commercial movie theaters.

Under Pandya Malhotra's leadership, the festival witnessed significant growth. In its second year, the Red Sea fest in December 2022 hosted nearly 40,000 filmgoers and more than 4,000 film professionals over 10 days, featuring a jury hosted by Oliver Stone. For the 2023 edition, subtitled “Your Story, Your Festival,” Pandya Malhotra and her team secured Baz Luhrmann as president of the jury and presented a lineup of acclaimed films. These included Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters” and director-star Maïwenn’s period drama “Jeanne du Barry,” co-starring Johnny Depp, both among the 170 films supported by the Red Sea Fund.

The most recent edition of the Red Sea fest was star-studded, with Sean Baker presiding over the jury. It kicked off with notable figures like Dakota Johnson, Uma Thurman, Ana de Armas, Queen Latifah, Vin Diesel, and Michael Caine gracing the red carpet, highlighting the festival's international appeal.

In a statement regarding her departure, Pandya Malhotra expressed immense pride: “After seven incredible years and five remarkable editions of the Red Sea International Film Festival, I leave with immense pride in everything we have built together.” She added, “It has been a privilege to be part of the Foundation’s journey from the very beginning and to witness its growth into a globally respected institution.” She conveyed deep gratitude to Chairwoman Jomana Al Rashid, CEO Faisal Baltyour, the leadership, partners, filmmakers, colleagues, and the wider film community for their passion and commitment. Pandya Malhotra concluded by stating her excitement for the next chapter, emphasizing that the Red Sea Film Foundation will always hold a very special place in her heart.

The last year’s edition of the Red Sea fest was also the first one held under the watch of Saudi Arabian film industry pioneer Faisal Baltyuor, who was appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation in May 2025. The Foundation oversees the festival, the Red Sea Fund, and its year-round Red Sea Labs. According to sources, it is believed that Baltyuor’s vision for the festival going forward clashed with Pandya Malhotra’s mode of operation. Baltyour commented, “Shivani has played an important role in the Foundation’s journey, working alongside a talented team of Saudi and international professionals to help shape its growth. We thank her for her contributions and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”

Pandya Malhotra, with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, previously managed the now defunct Dubai Film Festival. She recently ventured into film production as an executive producer for Yemeni-Scottish director Sara Ishaq’s Yemen-set drama “The Station,” which premiered positively from the Cannes Critics’ Week in May.