3 days ago
Red Sea Film Foundation Reveals Jury for 48-Hour Film Challenge
The Red Sea Film Foundation has named the jury for its fifth 48-Hour Film Challenge, where 14 Saudi teams will vie for a filmmaking residency in France and a screening at the Red Sea Film Festival.
The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the jury for the fifth edition of its 48-Hour Film Challenge, naming Saudi presenter and actor Yasser Al Saggaf, Lebanese actress and director Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker and actor Ayoub Layoussifi. All three are recognised for their contributions to Arab and international cinema, with experience in both directing and acting.
Organised 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 year's challenge will see 14 emerging Saudi filmmaking teams compete for a 2026 filmmaking residency in France. The winning films will also be screened at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025.
Shortlisted teams took part in a preparatory workshop on July 11th and the 12th, 2025, led by Iraqi director Ahmed Yassin Aldaradji, Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel, and Academy member Cyril Aris. Sessions covered directing, screenwriting, and editing, equipping participants to produce a short film within the 48-hour timeframe.
The completed films will be screened in September 2025 during two professional days for industry feedback and mentorship. Two winning teams will be selected based on creativity, technical execution, and storytelling impact, with team leaders receiving the residency in France.
