RED SEA FILM FOUNDATION OPENS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO THE 5th EDITION OF 48-HOUR FILM CHALLENGE 2025
Ahmed Bin Abdulqader
The Red Sea Film Foundation, 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, announces the launch of the fifth edition of the 48-Hour Film Challenge. The annual initiative is part of the Foundation’s commitment to empowering emerging filmmakers and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in independent cinema across the Kingdom. Filmmakers are invited to submit their applications by 15 June 2025.
The challenge is open to Saudi nationals and residents between the ages of 18 and 25. Each team may consist of up to five participants, led by a director who is based in Saudi Arabia.
Prior to the challenge, the selected teams will take part in an intensive online workshop scheduled for 11–12 July 2025. The sessions will be led by acclaimed professionals, including Iraqi director Ahmed Yassine Darradji (directing), Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel (screenwriting), and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences member Cyril Aris (editing). These workshops are designed to equip the teams with essential skills and insights ahead of the 48-hour creative sprint. At the start of the challenge, taking place on 18–19 July 2025, each team will be assigned a theme and a mandatory element to incorporate into their film, which must be written, shot, and edited within the 48-hour timeframe.
Before the winning teams are announced, two professional days will take place in September 2025, bringing together the fifteen shortlisted teams with industry experts from Saudi Arabia and France. Through focused workshops and one-to-one mentoring, participants will explore their completed films and receive tailored guidance.
All completed films will be screened in September 2025 before a jury of renowned filmmakers and industry experts. Two winning teams will be selected for their creativity, execution, and ability to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
The winning team leaders will be awarded an exclusive filmmaking residency in France in 2026, organized by the Consulate General of France in Jeddah. In addition, their films will be showcased at the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025.
The Red Sea Film Foundation invites aspiring filmmakers across the Kingdom to take part in this unique creative experience, a celebration of storytelling, collaboration, and cinematic ambition.
For more details and to apply, visit: https://redseafilmfest.com/en/48hours-film-challenge/
