Latest news with #RedSeaLabs
Broadcast Pro
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Labs announces Directors' Programme with Spike Lee
Over the course of four days, directors will explore their creative voice, gain industry insights and refine their storytelling approach through group work, and one-on-one guidance. Red Sea Labs, a key programme of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has announced the launch of its Directors' Programme, a week-long learning experience set to take place in Jeddah from April 29 to May 3, 2025. Led by filmmaker Spike Lee, the programme will bring together 15 emerging filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa for an intensive exploration of the art of directing. The Directors' Programme offers participants an opportunity to engage in masterclasses, workshops and personalised mentorship sessions with Lee, who is renowned for his bold vision and powerful storytelling. With decades of experience, Lee has become one of cinema's most influential figures, known for tackling critical social and human issues with artistic depth. His mentorship will provide participants with invaluable insights into the craft of filmmaking, preparing them to advance their careers in the global film industry. This initiative underscores the Red Sea Film Foundation's commitment to empowering creative voices and fostering direct connections between emerging filmmakers and leading international filmmakers. Through Red Sea Labs, the foundation equips participants with the professional tools and creative guidance necessary to advance their filmmaking careers. Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, commented: 'Welcoming Spike Lee back to Jeddah to lead the inaugural edition of our landmark Directors' Programme is a groundbreaking moment. This is an extraordinary opportunity for emerging filmmakers and writers to be inspired and challenged, as Spike Lee brings his unparalleled vision and demystifies the craft of directing with insight, passion, and purpose.' Ryan Ashore, Head of Red Sea Labs, added: 'The Directors' Programme marks a bold step forward for the Labs in our mission to nurture regional talent and connect them with the global filmmaking community. Spike Lee's participation sets a powerful precedent—his legacy and perspective offer participants with a rare, first-hand opportunity to understand the craft and conviction that define great cinema.' As the educational arm of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Red Sea Labs has supported hundreds of emerging filmmakers through specialised programmes across all stages of filmmaking, from script development to post-production. With the launch of the Directors' Programme, Red Sea Labs reaffirms its commitment to providing distinctive opportunities for filmmakers under the guidance of globally celebrated figures in cinema.
Asharq Al-Awsat
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Red Sea Labs Launches Directors Program to Empower Emerging Filmmakers
Red Sea Labs, a Red Sea Film Foundation program, has launched the Directors' Program – a transformative, week-long learning experience taking place in Jeddah from April 29 to May 3, and bringing together 15 emerging filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia, and Africa for an intensive exploration of the art of directing. "The Directors' Program marks a bold step forward for the Labs in our mission to nurture regional talent and connect them with the global filmmaking community,' head of Red Sea Labs Ryan Ashore was quoted as saying in a statement. This initiative, said the statement, reflects the Red Sea Film Foundation's commitment - through Red Sea Labs - to empowering creative voices by facilitating direct engagement with leading international filmmakers, and by equipping participants with the professional tools and creative guidance required to advance their careers.
Arab News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Hollywood pioneer to inspire filmmakers in Jeddah
JEDDAH: A new Directors' Program by Red Sea Labs led by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee will begin in Jeddah on Tuesday. Held until May 3, the program will bring together 15 emerging filmmakers from the Kingdom, the Arab world, Asia and Africa. Lee is known for his bold vision and storytelling that tackles critical social issues with artistic depth. Under his mentorship, the filmmakers will dive deep into the art of directing through masterclasses, workshops and personalized sessions. The program will also connect them directly with world-renowned figures in the industry and equip them with the skills to elevate their careers. Shivani Pandya Malhotra, managing director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: 'Welcoming Spike Lee back to Jeddah to lead the first edition of our Directors' Program is a groundbreaking moment. 'It's an extraordinary opportunity for emerging filmmakers and writers to be inspired, challenged and guided by one of the greatest cinematic minds of our time.' Ryan Ashore, head of Red Sea Labs, added: 'The Directors' Program marks a bold step in our mission to nurture regional talent and link them to the global filmmaking community. 'Having Spike Lee lead this program sets a powerful precedent — offering participants direct access to the craft, passion and conviction that define great cinema.' Red Sea Labs also runs three other programs such as the Lodge, an intensive training initiative in partnership with Torino Film Lab and sponsored by Film AlUla, guiding Saudi, Arab, Asian and African filmmakers from ideas to finished projects. The Music and Sound Program offers hands-on training in film scoring and sound design with guidance from world-renowned experts. SeriesLab, in partnership with Film Independent, supports 14 emerging creators in developing and pitching TV series pilots, including a two-week residency in Los Angeles. The program concludes at the Red Sea Souk, offering creators a chance to pitch to top international buyers, studios and producers. Previous initiatives have included programs like the Short Film Klinik, the Middle East Media Initiative and the Music for Film workshop, all part of Red Sea Labs' mission 'to shape the next generation of global storytellers in Saudi Arabia and the world.'
Broadcast Pro
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Labs unveils selected teams for third edition of SeriesLab
SeriesLab includes an exclusive trip to Los Angeles for intensive training and participation in the Film Independent Forum. Red Sea Labs has announced the eight creative teams selected for the third edition of its SeriesLab programme, an initiative developed in strategic partnership with the Los Angeles-based nonprofit arts organisation Film Independent. Designed to cultivate fresh voices in television, the SeriesLab aims to nurture creative independence and elevate the craft of TV storytelling through an immersive and supportive educational framework. Kicking off in April 2025, the programme will support 16 emerging creators—scriptwriters, co-writers, and producers—through a mix of virtual and in-person residencies. Over several months, participants will receive professional training from experienced television writers, showrunners and industry experts to help them refine their series concepts, develop full pilot scripts, and prepare compelling pitch materials. The programme concludes in December 2025, aligning with the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, where participants will pitch their projects at the Red Sea Souk, the festival's industry platform. This year's selected projects represent a broad geographic spread, showcasing creative talents from Egypt, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, India, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The lineup includes Malpractice by Hind Metwalli and Ahmed El Zoghby (Egypt), Mad Bounty and the Midnight Gun by Talemwa Pius and Tusabe Ivan (Uganda), Till Death Do Us Part by Tomisin Folowosele and producer Orire Nwani (Nigeria) and Money Town by Tony Koros and producer Toni Kamau (Kenya). From Asia, Society by Sushant Nagpal and Mayank Shandilya (India), Flyweights by Eldar Shibanov and co-writer/producer Yuliya Levitskaya (Kazakhstan) and Flash by Sue Young Kim and Donghwan Kim (South Korea) were selected. Representing the host country is the project Dérift by Zahra Zuhair and producer Mawadda Sallam (Saudi Arabia). A major highlight of the SeriesLab programme is a two-week trip to Los Angeles, where participants will engage in high-level workshops and attend the Film Independent Forum, gaining critical industry exposure and mentorship opportunities. This element underscores the programme's mission to bridge regional talent with global platforms and foster meaningful creative exchange. Through this latest edition of SeriesLab, Red Sea Labs and Film Independent continue to invest in the next generation of television storytellers, offering them the tools, network and guidance needed to bring their series to life—and ultimately, to audiences around the world.
Mid East Info
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
RED SEA FUND OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR CYCLE 1 OF 2025 POST-PRODUCTION GRANTS, AND EXPANDS TO ASIA FOR THE FIRST TIME
The Red Sea Fund, a program under the Red Sea Film Foundation, has opened submissions for post-production projects in the first cycle of the year, running from February 6 to February 27, 2025. For the first time, the Fund is now accepting submissions from Asia, welcoming voices from the continent to apply alongside storytellers from Saudi Arabia, Africa, and the Arab world. Interested filmmakers can submit their applications HERE . Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Red Sea Film Foundation Managing Director, remarked: 'The Red Sea Fund champions projects across stages and cycles, providing financial grants that bring bold ideas to life. Our expansion into Asia reflects our commitment to talents and stories that are often underrepresented, providing filmmakers with an avenue to execute their vision and reach the world.' Established in 2021, the Red Sea Fund has supported 280+ projects. Several former recipients have gone on to earn global recognition and accolades. The first cycle of 2025 is open to a range of post-production projects, including feature-length fiction, documentary, or animation films. About The Red Sea Film Foundation: The Red Sea Film Foundation is a rapidly emerging force in the global film industry. As an independent, non-profit organization, it fosters the film sector in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia, and Africa. Its initiatives are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia's plans for nurturing film and culture, emphasizing the pillars of a vibrant society and a thriving cultural scene. Leading the charge on the cultural and cinematic front, the Red Sea Film Foundation is transforming Saudi Arabia into a prominent global hub for film and a platform for storytellers. The Red Sea Film Foundation's flagship initiatives—the Red Sea Fund, Red Sea Labs, the Red Sea Souk, and the Red Sea International Film Festival—aim to champion and support filmmakers in bringing their visions to life and presenting their films on a global stage. About the Red Sea Fund: The Red Sea Fund is a pioneering initiative by the Red Sea Film Foundation, dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering growth in the global film industry. With a focus on supporting filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab region, and Africa, the fund provides crucial financial support, mentoring, and resources to bring diverse narratives and innovative ideas to life.
