DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Labs is now accepting submissions for the 5th edition of The Lodge program, a long-term residency in collaboration with Torino FilmLab, sponsored by Film AlUla. For the first time, the program will accept applications from Asia for its 2024 cohort.

The Lodge is open to teams of Saudi, Arab, African, and Asian filmmakers and producers.

“Continuing our journey of expanding and evolving the Red Sea Foundation’s programs, we are pleased to announce the first expansion of one of our industry programs, the Lodge, as it broadens its offerings to promising cinematic voices from Asia,” Shivani Pandya, the Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said in a released statement.

“It is a strategic move aimed at bolstering our cinematic communities' presence on the global stage, fostering cultural exchange, and enriching the cinematic landscape worldwide,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ryan Ashore, head of The Red Sea Labs, said: “The Lodge continues to empower emerging filmmakers and contribute to diversifying and enriching the global cinematic scene”. He added: “We are looking forward to welcoming the new talents from Asia with the Arab world, and Africa, starting from our retreat in Alula alongside our partners, immersing them in a unique experience that refines their inspiring narratives through collaborative initiatives that transcend geographical borders”.

Sixteen projects will be selected for the opportunity to develop their feature film project.

Submissions are open until 11:59 pm KSA time on Jan. 7, 2024.

All workshops in 2024 will be conducted in person, kicking off with a prelude workshop for Saudi teams.

The workshops will provide training across film script development and film production, including financing, sales, and marketing. The Lodge Filmmakers will pitch their projects at the Red Sea Souk during the 4th Edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2024.