Red Sea Souk opens industry program applications
Held annually, the Red Sea International Film Festival amplifies the Kingdom's creative and cultural diversity through programs designed to engage both public audiences and industry professionals.
The festival's industry market, running from Dec. 6-10, brings together filmmakers, producers, investors, and cinema professionals from around the globe to support emerging talent and international co-productions.
• The Project Market is accepting submissions until June 20 for narrative, animated, and documentary projects currently in development or production.
• The Work-in-Progress program is open until July 29 to feature films in post-production.
The Project Market is accepting submissions until June 20 for narrative, animated, and documentary projects currently in development or production. Projects must be helmed by directors from Arab, African, or Asian countries, or by filmmakers of Arab origin.
Selected entries will receive tailored industry guidance and opportunities to pitch to distributors, festival programmers, and production partners.
The Work-in-Progress program is open until July 29 to feature films in post-production. It offers private industry screenings, mentorship, and networking with potential distributors, financiers, and festival representatives.
Both programs will strengthen film talent from Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab, African, and Asian regions, encouraging co-productions and international exposure.
The festival continues to serve as a key platform for cross-cultural collaboration and creative opportunities in the global film community and Saudi Arabia's burgeoning creative sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Beast House: Where music and musicians tune and vibe
RIYADH: In the heart of Riyadh's JAX District, Beast House has emerged as one of the Kingdom's most dynamic creative hubs — a space where musicians, producers, designers, and artists come together to collaborate, connect, and grow. Located in Diriyah's J12, Beast House is more than just a music venue. It serves as a meeting point for Saudi and international talent, blending entertainment, culture, and community into one destination. Whether through workshops, live performances, or casual gatherings, the space provides a platform for creative expression that reflects the Kingdom's rapidly evolving cultural scene. German DJ, producer, and label founder David Galla first encountered Beast House during a visit to Riyadh and was immediately struck by the atmosphere. 'I visited in April, toured the studios, and knew instantly this was a place I wanted to be,' he said. 'The team, the vibe, the creativity — it's all very inspiring. Saudi Arabia has something special here, and the people are so welcoming.' Among the local talents who have found a home at Beast House is Rayan Charani, a 17-year-old Lebanese producer and singer who was born and raised in Riyadh. Passionate about pop and electronic music, Charani said the community spirit is what makes the space unique. 'The equipment is great, but it's really the people that make me want to come back,' he said. 'There's so much love here. It's a place that inspires me every day.' Charani's journey with Beast House began after attending XP Music Futures, MDLBEAST's annual conference. Introduced to the venue through industry connections, he soon became part of its creative family. 'Beast House showed me that music is not only about sound, but also about community,' he added. Beyond its studios, Beast House also features a fine-dining restaurant and social spaces designed to foster interaction. Visitors can expect everything from intimate conversations over mocktails to exclusive performances, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry figures. The venue is an extension of MDLBEAST's mission to build a thriving music ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Since the launch of Soundstorm in 2019, the Kingdom's flagship music festival, the local industry has grown at a pace that demanded more permanent creative spaces. Beast House was created to meet that need — providing a year-round platform for talent development, networking, and cultural exchange. During Arab News' visit, it was clear that Beast House was not only a workspace but an experience in itself. The team has successfully created and curated an atmosphere where ambiance, decor, community, and people come together to offer something unique. Entry is not limited to members alone — visitors can also spend time working in the space, socializing, or simply enjoying its fine-dining offerings without accessing the studios. Today, Beast House is seen as a symbol of the Kingdom's cultural transformation, offering opportunities for the next generation of artists while also attracting global talent to Riyadh. It is not just a venue, but a statement of Saudi Arabia's ambition to cement its place on the world's creative map.
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Locals celebrate World Photography Day
JEDDAH: Rakaez Photography Club on Tuesday marked World Photography Day with a spectacular exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah, attracting enthusiasts to view a diverse collection of photographic artistry. Some 30 photographers displayed their best work at the exhibition, capturing a range of diverse perspectives. Turki Al-Jadaani, a photographer and one of the founders of the club, said that the exhibition 'celebrates the art of photography as a medium of storytelling, creativity and visual culture.' He added: 'For us as photographers, it's a very significant day. We have invited members of our club and local renowned photographers to a one-day photography exhibition to show their creative photos captured by their lens.' He told Arab News that the club was a platform committed to supporting art and artists from all walks of life. 'We take great pride in our association with initiatives such as today's event, as well as workshops we offer,' Al-Jadaani said. Local photographers and enthusiasts viewed the exhibition, which documented people, landscapes and culture while showcasing the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. The highlights were pictures from the less frequented parts of Saudi Arabia, and included wildlife, travel shots and portraiture. The event fostered community engagement, with some attendees posing for spontaneous portraits and videos, adding a lively dimension to the exhibition. Tarik Khoja, the official photographer for Saudia, said: 'World Photography Day is a chance to capture moments that might otherwise fade, encouraging young photographers to pursue their craft with passion and responsibility. 'It's a day to appreciate how photography shapes communication, storytelling and documentation. 'We invited photographers to share their most treasured images, highlighting the emotional power of photography. 'On this special day we express ourselves and our art through our lenses.' He added that the club's initiative provided an interactive platform for members to exchange ideas, learn techniques, and connect with the community, strengthening the local photography ecosystem. Roaa Mansori, a passionate photographer who was attending the event, highlighted how pictures preserved cherished memories and happiness. She told Arab News: 'It is a special day and we are excited to share our favorite photos.'
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi actress Fatima Al-Banawi's ‘Basma' to screen in Brazil
DUBAI: Saudi actress Fatima Al-Banawi's film 'Basma' is set to screen in Brazil on Thursday. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Al-Banawi shared the announcement on Instagram, posting the official poster, which revealed that the film will screen in Sao Paulo at Estudio Lamina, a local cultural center. 'Basma,' which premiered on Netflix in June, marks Al-Banawi's debut as a feature film director. She also wrote the screenplay, contributed an original song to the soundtrack, and stars in the lead role. The film follows a young Saudi woman who returns to her hometown of Jeddah after two years studying in the US, only to discover that her parents have divorced without telling her. The story explores her emotional reckoning with the past, including her father's mental illness and the impact it had on the family. The role of her father, Dr. Adly, is played by Yasir Al-Sasi. A post shared by فاطِــمَة البـنَوي (@fatima_albanawi) As she reconnects with her family, Basma is distraught to learn that her beloved father has moved out — and worse, that most of the family are, at best, reluctant to visit him. Convinced that all he needs is the love and care of his loved ones, she decides to move in with him, defying the advice of her mother, Hind (Shaima), brother Waleed (Tared Sindi), and uncle Hamza (Mohammed Essam). But the reunion is far from smooth. 'The most important element was to create a believable, cohesive family. That was one of the main issues,' Al-Banawi previously told Arab News. 'The second thing was that — although I recognize that a lot of amazing actors and actresses have (emerged in Saudi Arabia) in the past couple of years — as a director, I wanted to see fresh faces. It's beautiful to see these talents who weren't given a chance before, or didn't even see themselves taking this path. Honestly, this whole cast was a blessing.' Al-Banawi first gained prominence for her role in the 2016 drama 'Barakah Meets Barakah.' She also starred in the Egyptian Netflix series 'Paranormal.' In 2020, she directed her first short film, 'Until We See Light.' That same year, she co-wrote, co-directed and starred in 'Al-Shak,' a Shahid Original series, which she shot fully from home during the pandemic.
