RIYADH: The Red Sea International Film Festival is inviting young, aspiring Saudi and resident filmmakers to take part in the 48Hr Film Challenge and create a short film.
Launched in 2020, the competition aims to support local filmmakers by challenging them to write, shoot and edit their creations within a tight two-day timeframe.
The competition is a collaboration among French Cultural Center, the French Consulate in Jeddah, the French Embassy and the Red Sea International Film Festival.
Organizers are inviting applications from creative teams aged 18-25, consisting of up to five participants and led by a Saudi director or scriptwriter.
The challenge will center around the creation of a short film from three to six minutes in length. It will have a specific topic and element, which will be disclosed at the beginning of the challenge.
During the selection process in July, participants will receive two days of mentorship. Selected teams will then engage in an intensive 48-hour period during which they will create their films.
The challenge will conclude with the screening of the films in August. Two teams will be awarded 48Hr Film Challenge trophies.
The leader of each team will get the chance to take part in one of the cinema and directing events at the Red Sea Film Festival in 2024.
Winning team leaders will then enjoy a filmmaking residency in France in 2024.