The Red Sea International Film Festival is set to open to submissions for its second edition, taking place December 1–10. Filmmakers from Asia and Africa, including the Arab world, are invited to submit films from July 3 until August 14.
Established names and emerging filmmakers from Arab, Asian and African filmmakers across the globe are welcome to submit their films to the Red Sea: Competition and Red Sea: Shorts Competition. Saudi filmmakers can also apply to screen as part of New Saudi/New Cinema. Submissions will be viewed and selected by the Red Sea International film festival selection committee.
The Festival aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and foster the growth of the Arab film industry, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to the international film industry.
As the Arab world’s most exciting film event, the Red Sea International Film Festival embraces new talent from Saudi Arabia and the region, alongside the best in Asian, African, and Global cinema.
The second edition of the highly anticipated Red Sea International Film Festival will bring together local film lovers, filmmakers, and international industry leaders. The event provides an essential platform to strengthen creative connections between Saudi and the world with a program of the best in global cinema, classic and contemporary Arab film, alongside professional and industry strands.
The second edition of the Festival is shaping up to elevate the Saudi and Arab film scene further on the global stage. Program sections will showcase contemporary international and Arab cinema, Saudi features, shorts and experimental films, retrospectives, and future-oriented AR and VR experiences.
The films in competition will vie for the Yusr Awards, chosen by an international jury. The Red Sea Golden Yusr award for Best Film in competition will be awarded $100,000. Cash prizes will also be awarded to Best Director ($30,000); the Red Sea Golden Yusr for Best Short Film ($25,000); and the Red Sea Silver Yusr for Short Film ($15,000); in addition to the Red Sea Silver Yusr Jury Prize ($20,000). Other prizes will be awarded for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Immersive, Cinematic Contribution and Red Sea: Competition Special Mention. There will also be cash prizes for the Audience Award and Best Saudi Film.
