Today, the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation has made an exciting announcement regarding the recipients of the first cycle of post-production funding for 2023 from the Red Sea Fund. This funding will support the completion of eight films by talented Saudi, Arab, and African filmmakers, who are bringing forth compelling narratives and showcasing emerging talents within the region. A total of 59 applications were received for the Red Sea Fund’s 2023 post-production cycle, which underwent careful evaluation and resulted in the selection of 18 remarkable films. From this exceptional lineup, eight projects were chosen, encompassing five scripted features and three captivating documentaries. One of the highly anticipated films is “The Omen” directed by Baloji, which is set to premiere at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival in 2023. This selection aligns perfectly with the Red Sea Film Festival’s mission to champion visionary filmmakers who inspire and pave the way for the next generation of creative minds. Mohammed Al Turki, the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil these eight projects, which will receive crucial support through the Red Sea Fund’s post-production grant. This grant plays a pivotal role in enabling filmmakers to finalize their projects and ensure they are ready for distribution and exhibition.” The selected documentary projects include:
- “Anti-Cinema,” directed by Ali Saeed (Saudi Arabia)
- “Ressacs, A Taureg Story,” directed by Intagrist El Ansari (Mauritania, Mali)
- “Run for Life,” directed by Bachar Khattar (Lebanon)
As for the fictional feature projects, the chosen films are:
- “Dead Dog,” directed by Sarah Francis (Lebanon, France)
- “Holes,” directed by Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan (Saudi Arabia)
- “Red Path,” directed by Lotfi Achour (Tunisia, France)
- “Songs of Adam,” directed by Oday Rasheed (Iraq, Netherlands)
- “The Omen,” directed by Balogi (Belgium, France, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Netherlands, Cameroon)
About the Red Sea International Film Festival: The Red Sea International Film Festival provides a platform for Arab filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world to connect, participate in feature and short film competitions, and engage in a range of events, masterclasses, and workshops designed to nurture emerging talents. Running alongside the festival is the Red Sea Souk, an industry market that facilitates global exchange and partnerships between the international and Saudi film industries. This four-day market offers a rich program of curated events aimed at fostering co-production, international distribution, and exploring new business opportunities. The Souk provides unparalleled access to the dynamic Saudi film scene and the vibrant Arab market through pitching sessions, one-on-one meetings, screenings, industry discussions, and networking events.
