6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Film Foundation launches fifth edition of 48Hr Film Challenge
Aspiring filmmakers in Saudi Arabia aged between 18 and 25 are invited to submit their applications by June 15, 2025.
The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the fifth edition of its 48Hr Film Challenge, in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, the Embassy of France in Saudi Arabia, Alliance Française and the Centre for French Culture. This annual initiative aims to nurture young talent and encourage innovation in Saudi Arabia's independent film scene. Aspiring filmmakers have until June 15, 2025, to submit their applications.
Open to Saudi nationals and residents aged 18 to 25, the challenge allows teams of up to five members, each led by a Saudi-based director. Selected participants will first attend an intensive virtual workshop on July 11–12, 2025, featuring industry experts such as Iraqi director Ahmed Yassine Darradji, Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel and editor Cyril Aris, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The main challenge will unfold over the weekend of July 18–19 , 2025, when teams will be given a theme and a required element to incorporate into a short film, which must be completed—written, shot and edited—within 48 hours.
In September 2025, the 15 shortlisted teams will engage in two professional development days with film professionals from Saudi Arabia and France. These sessions will offer tailored mentoring and feedback on the submitted films.
The completed works will be screened for a jury of esteemed filmmakers and industry figures. Two winning teams will be selected based on creativity, execution and innovation. The winning directors will be awarded a filmmaking residency in France in 2026, arranged by the French Consulate, and their films will be featured at the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025.
The Red Sea Film Foundation encourages young Saudi filmmakers to seize this opportunity to develop their craft, collaborate with peers, and showcase their storytelling talent on an international stage.
