RIYADH: The Red Sea Film Foundation, in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, has announced the winners of the fourth 48-Hour Film Challenge at a ceremony held at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.
The event was attended by Red Sea Film Foundation Managing Director Shivani Malhotra Pandya and Acting CEO Mohammed Al-Asiri, and French Consul General Mohammed Nehad.
The challenge, aimed at encouraging emerging talents to innovate and present fresh perspectives in their cinematic projects, was organized in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, the Embassy of France in Riyadh, and the Alliance Francaise, according to the foundation.
The ceremony honored the two winning teams: “AFEN,” led by Nawaf Al-Kanani, and “All in One Night (AION),” led by Rawan Al-Ghamdi.
Both teams will have the opportunity to screen their films at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 and will participate in an artist residency program at one of France’s leading film schools in 2025.
The challenge took place from July 26-27, during which participants were tasked with writing, shooting and editing a short film in just 48 hours.
Prior to the challenge, participants attended two days of intensive workshops and professional mentorship led by industry experts. These included a directing workshop led by filmmaker Faris Godus, a screenwriting and editing workshop by director and screenwriter Amjad Al-Rasheed, and a production workshop conducted by producer Deema Azar.
Three intensive professional days were organized for the 15 short-listed teams by the French Consulate in partnership with the foundation and Art Jameel on Sept. 17, 18 and 19.
The two winners were selected based on high artistic standards by a jury composed of filmmakers and industry professionals, including Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek and Saudi actress Sarah Taibah.
The jury praised the winning films, highlighting them as promising cinematic works that reflected the talents and potential of Saudi and local filmmakers in the industry.
Pandya said: “The foundation remains a driving force in championing the next generation of filmmakers. We have seen past winners go on to achieve great success in the industry, and we are proud to have been part of that journey. Also, the opportunity for winners to showcase their films at our festival in December provides unparalleled exposure, giving their work a platform that truly sets them apart.”
Al-Asiri congratulated the winners, saying: “This challenge highlights the incredible talent and potential of emerging Saudi filmmakers. At the Red Sea Film Foundation, we are committed to nurturing and empowering these creatives, and we eagerly anticipate the impact their future projects will have on both the local and international film landscapes.”
Nehad said: “This project illustrates the excellence of the relationship between both countries and illustrates a successful cooperation in supporting the young talents in cinema. France, with its long experience in cinema, and Saudi Arabia, with this wonderful dynamism, have a lot to share. Among numerous common projects in the bilateral cooperation, cinema is one of the top priorities and will go on during the Red Sea Film Festival.”
