22-05-2025
Red Sea Souk opens submissions for 2025 Project Market
This is an opportunity for filmmakers to access funding, connect with decision-makers, and bring their stories to audiences around the world.
The Red Sea Souk Project Market has opened submissions for its projects-in-development or production and works-in-progress programmes, set to run during the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival from December 4 to 13, 2025, in the historic district of Al-Balad, Jeddah. The Souk will be held from December 6 to 10, bringing together filmmakers, producers, investors, and key industry professionals from across the globe.
The initiative aims to support emerging talent from Saudi Arabia, the wider Arab world, Africa and Asia. It offers filmmakers the opportunity to advance their work through international co-production opportunities, industry mentorship, and direct access to distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers. The Project Market will feature 12 projects across fiction, animation, and creative documentaries, all led by directors of Arab, African, or Asian nationality or origin. Selected participants will receive dedicated mentorship, pitch their projects, and engage in one-on-one meetings with potential partners. These selected projects will be showcased alongside the Red Sea Lodge's 12 in-development projects.
Additionally, the Works-in-Progress section will present eight feature films currently in post-production. These works will be screened exclusively to accredited professionals, with director-producer teams receiving valuable editorial feedback and targeted exposure to key players in global distribution and exhibition.
Submissions are open until June 20, 2025 for Projects-in-Development or Production, and until July 29, 2025 for Works-in-Progress. The initiative offers a significant platform for filmmakers to secure funding, refine their work, and reach broader international audiences.
