LONDON: Film AlUla, the film agency of The Royal Commission for AlUla, today announced that it has partnered with production company Vertigo Films and award-winning Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour to launch AlUla Creates short film competition.
The initiative, organized with the support of renowned director, producer, and actor Katie Holmes, aims to support and establish three Saudi women directors in the international marketplace.
“As we continue to develop our AlUla Creates initiative and secure more incredible mentors like the trailblazing Haifaa Al-Mansour, we are delighted to welcome Vertigo Films as a partner for the film phase of program,” Charlene Deleon-Jones, executive director at Film AlUla, said.
Deleon-Jones emphasized that the experience and knowledge that the new partners bring to the table will be “vital” in providing a platform for the next generation of Saudi women filmmakers.
AlUla Creates is a platform designed to create an ecosystem around film, arts and fashion by nurturing creativity and empowering Saudi Arabia’s future generations.
Following the second phase of the program, which championed the fashion aspect of the film industry, the filmmaking mentor program will aim to elevate and support rising female Saudi talent by equipping them with the right tools and guidance.
“Film AlUla Creates Program presents a genuine opportunity to amplify the voices and artistic talents of Saudi female filmmakers on the global stage,” commented Jane Moore, executive producer and CEO at Vertigo Films.
“By providing a platform for their unique perspectives and craft, we aim to develop their professional growth and nurture their creative identity.”
The competition is open to Saudi women directors of all experience levels and submissions will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts, including Al-Mansour, Holmes, and representatives from Vertigo Films and Film AlUla.
The three winning directors will receive three months of mentoring and training from Al-Mansour and Holmes, as well as production support from Vertigo Films and a $20,000 production grant to shoot the film in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla.
The selected filmmakers will also be invited to London to learn about the international marketplace, meeting with key sales, distribution, post and VFX companies, with each of the filmmakers also being supported through submissions to local and international film festivals.
Haifaa Al-Mansour expressed her honor at the opportunity to help young female talents enter the international stage, emphasizing how the Saudi film industry has come a long way in supporting a new generation of filmmakers
“When I first started making films the idea of working as a female Saudi director seemed outlandish,” she said. “But I knew that the world was curious to hear from us, to hear our side of the story, and that films from home would strike a chord with audiences around the world.”
Launched in March earlier this year, the program’s first phase included a partnership with the British Fashion Council, Saudi actor Mila Al-Zahrani, Kloss Films founder Alec Maxwell, and fashion icons Helena Christensen and Eva Herzigova as ambassadors to support the long-term mission of the platform.
The initiative comes under Film AlUla’s strategy to further the film sector in Saudi through homegrown talent, while also supporting the AlUla region’s socio-economic development.
