Jeddah: The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the 15 teams selected to participate in the sixth edition of the Red Sea 48Hr Film Challenge, following a record 127 submissions from emerging filmmakers across Saudi Arabia. The annual initiative continues to strengthen the Kingdom’s growing film industry by offering young creatives an opportunity to gain hands-on filmmaking experience under the guidance of established industry professionals.
Organised in collaboration with Alliance Française and the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, the challenge is open to Saudi nationals and residents aged 18 to 25. Participants are challenged to complete the entire filmmaking process—from developing an idea and writing a screenplay to shooting, editing and delivering a finished short film—within just 48 hours.
Before the competition begins, all selected teams will participate in a series of mentorship workshops taking place on 17 and 18 July, led by internationally recognised filmmakers and creative experts.
Saudi architect, production designer and art director Ahmed Baageel, whose work includes The Book of Sun and Desert Warrior, will conduct the production design workshop. Acclaimed Jordanian filmmaker Zain Duraie will lead the filmmaking workshop. Her debut feature, Sink, was developed through the Red Sea Labs Feature Films Program—formerly known as The Lodge—and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025. Egyptian writer, director and producer Mohamed Rashad, whose debut feature The Settlement premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2025, will conduct the screenwriting workshop.
Following the training sessions, the participating teams will have just 48 hours to write, film and edit an original short film based on themes assigned by the organisers. Each production must also creatively incorporate a surprise production design or prop element, which will only be revealed shortly before the challenge officially begins.
Selected Teams
The 15 teams selected for the 2026 challenge are:
- ManHaj
- Cinephiles
- Shaarie 60
- Rouh
- Cool Guys
- 4 TAMAM
- Drop Outs
- Always Be Late
- Westrich
- Whatever Happens
- The Vibers
- SHATAT
- Celluloid
- Triumphant
- Aks
Once completed, the short films will be evaluated by a jury, with its members to be announced later. The programme will conclude later this year during Professional Days, featuring industry talks, workshops, networking opportunities and public screenings, before culminating in the official awards ceremony.
Two teams will be crowned winners of the Red Sea 48Hr Film Challenge. In addition to receiving the challenge trophy, each winning team leader will earn an international residency opportunity in France in 2027. The two winning films will also be showcased at the next edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, offering participants valuable international exposure.
The Red Sea 48Hr Film Challenge reflects the Red Sea Film Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging filmmaking talent across Saudi Arabia. Through professional mentorship, practical filmmaking experience and opportunities for global recognition, the initiative continues to equip the next generation of storytellers with the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to build successful careers in cinema.
The Red Sea Film Foundation has become one of the leading organisations driving the growth of Saudi Arabia’s film sector. Through initiatives such as the Red Sea Fund, Red Sea Labs, the Red Sea Souk, and the Red Sea International Film Festival, the Foundation supports filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa, helping them transform creative ideas into internationally recognised productions.
