CAP D’ANTIBES, 15 May 2025 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women In Cinema Gala at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc during the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The distinguished evening celebrated the achievements of emerging female talent in front of and behind the camera who are redefining the film industry across the Arab World, Africa and Asia.
The third annual Women In Cinema Gala, established in 2022, brought together international figures from the worlds of film, fashion and culture to spotlight seven trailblazing women making significant contributions to their industries. Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at this cornerstone event underscored her ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that champion female voices in global cinema.
Renowned for her dedication to supporting bold, artistically ambitious filmmaking, Lady Monika Bacardi joined distinguished guests including Catherine Deneuve, Daniel Kaluuya, Juliette Binoche, Jessica Alba, Eiza González, Melanie Laurent and Haifaa Al Mansour. The evening recognized seven extraordinary women: Saudi actress and writer Elham Ali, South Asian actress Jacqueline Fernandez, Syrian filmmaker Gaya Jiji, acclaimed Arab actress Amina Khalil, Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni, Saudi multidisciplinary artist Sarah Taibah, and Thai actress Engfa Waraha.
The Red Sea Film Foundation, through its annual gala at Cannes, continues to advance its mission of platforming rising and established female talent on the global stage. Since 2019, the Foundation has supported more than 230 female directors through its Fund, Labs and Festival programs, demonstrating a sustained commitment to gender equity in filmmaking.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s attendance at the Women In Cinema Gala reflects her broader philanthropic vision—one that seamlessly bridges her commitment to cinema, culture and the advancement of women in the arts. Her participation in distinguished cultural events continues to reinforce her position as a patron who champions meaningful progress within the international entertainment community.
The evening exemplified the power of cultural exchange and shared purpose, as influential figures from diverse sectors united in support of female storytellers whose work is shaping the future of international cinema.
