JEDDAH: Effat University is hosting the 13th Effat International Student Film Festival, known as Showreel, from April 7 to 9 at its Jeddah campus under the theme “When Stories Come to Life.”
Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy and Saudi actor Abdulmohsen Alnemr will attend the event as guests of honor.
Effat University President Haifa Jamal Al-Lail said the festival plays a key role in nurturing talent, describing it as a platform to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.
“Our ambition goes beyond showcasing student films; it is about contributing to the development of a generation capable of leading the future of the media and entertainment industry in the Kingdom, in alignment with Vision 2030,” she added.
This year’s edition received 2,783 film submissions from more than 95 countries, exceeding last year’s 2,217 entries. There were 371 Saudi films submitted from 10 universities, reflecting growing interest among emerging filmmakers and the rapid development of the Kingdom’s film industry.
Mohamed Ghazala, chair of the School of Cinematic Arts at Effat University, told Arab News that the aim is to move students from passive learning to active engagement and from limited academic experience to real interaction with the labor market.
“This year, Sony is introducing a new cinematic experience for our students through advanced lighting and camera technologies, which are also newly integrated into our teaching practices, ensuring that both students and faculty remain aligned with the latest developments in the industry.”
German documentary filmmaker Stefanie Brockhaus, a jury member and workshop facilitator, said: “Having made two films in Saudi Arabia, I have seen the film industry and young Saudi talent flourishing over the last decade. The great results can be seen at Effat University and the Showreel festival.
“Through these types of hands-on workshops, we are able to share our experiences while supporting young Saudi filmmakers in exploring the full potential of documentary filmmaking. The goal is to help them develop their own authentic cinematic language and discover the stories they are truly driven to tell.”
The festival offers a diverse program, including film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, a photography exhibition inspired by Jeddah’s historic district, Al-Balad, and live musical performances.
Workshops by industry leaders such as Sony, Manga Productions, and MBC Academy aim to enhance students’ skills and connect them with local and international film industries.
Ola Alalwan, manager of partnerships at MBC Academy, said: “The participation of MBC Academy in the Effat International Student Film Festival represents a practical reflection of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in empowering national talent and developing the creative economy.
“This is achieved by linking education with practical application and narrowing the gap between its outcomes and the needs of the labor market, contributing to the preparation of a qualified generation capable of leading the future of the media and entertainment industry in the Kingdom.”
Lujain Salaam, Effat University graduate and director of the film “Scream of an Ant,” competing in the Saudi category, said: “It means a lot to me to screen my film at Showreel, especially as a recent Effat graduate. My time there really shaped me as a writer; it taught me how to be honest, intentional, and more fearless in telling deeply personal stories.
“Having this film shown here feels like sharing a piece of that growth, and I am very proud of it. Screening it at the Red Sea Film Festival compared to Effat Showreel is very different in terms of emotional impact. It feels much more personal.
“It is where I grew as a filmmaker, so sharing this story here feels like I have come full circle; it really makes me reflect on how far I have come, and I am deeply grateful to those who helped and shaped me along the way.”
Egyptian actor Helmy will further enrich the festival through an exclusive session moderated by media personality Yasser Al-Saggaf, where he will share insights from his filmmaking journey and engage with students and young creatives on storytelling, performance, and production.
