The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced NEOM as the principal sponsor of the Red Sea International Film Festival, ahead of the event’s third edition beginning on Nov. 30 in Jeddah. The partnership, which includes the powering of key components of the festival including the Red Sea Souk and Talent Days program, aligns with the shared vision of fostering a vibrant and thriving film industry in the region.
Over the past 18 months, NEOM Media Industries has cemented its reputation as the prominent regional media hub and a trusted global partner. NEOM features the largest purpose-built facility in the Middle East and North Africa for screen production, gaming development and film and television vocational training.
To date, NEOM Media Industries has supported and facilitated more than 35 productions of various scales and genres spanning Hollywood, Bollywood, and the Arab world. It has also been instrumental in supporting local Saudi features, setting new standards in the industry, and fostering talent development, industry education, innovation, and startup initiatives.
The Red Sea Souk and Talent Days perfectly align with NEOM’s commitment to building the film industry workforce of the future by nurturing Saudi and Arab talent and creating career opportunities for talent to flourish. NEOM has successfully guided more than 1,000 young Saudis through industry-focused learning programs, offering post-graduation support in the form of placements, internships, and eventual full-time industry roles.
Mohammad Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea International Film Foundation, said: “Our partnership with NEOM is significantly accelerating the growth of the local industry. NEOM not only opens doors to a diverse array of opportunities for filmmakers, both locally and on the global stage, but it has established itself as a creative and collaborative central hub for the region’s industry. NEOM shares our deep commitment to championing home-grown talent within the region, and we look forward to further strengthening the foundations of our flourishing industry with their invaluable support.”
Wayne Borg, managing director of media industries, entertainment, and culture at NEOM, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival. We have expanded our support this year to encompass the entire festival, having been part of the Red Sea Souk since its first edition. Empowering creativity and supporting talent is central to our mission. Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated focus on nurturing the next generation, we pave the way for a thriving media ecosystem in the region, amplifying opportunities to provide the industry-ready workforce of the future. The souk is a great reflection of the fast-evolving screen industry in the Kingdom, particularly its dynamism, vibrancy, and creative energy, and we are very proud to be the principal sponsor supporting it.”
