The Red Sea Film Festival Foundation has today announced the beneficiaries of Cycle 1 of the Red Sea Fund's post-production funding for 2023. Grants will be awarded to eight films by Saudi, Arab, and African filmmakers to aid in the completion of projects that shed light on significant narratives and showcase emerging talents from the region. The Red Sea Fund's post-production cycle for 2023 received 59 applications, which underwent a thorough review and were narrowed down to a shortlist of 18 films. Out of these 18 films, eight were chosen, including five scripted features and three documentaries. Baloji's "The Omen" is scheduled for its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, reinforcing the Red Sea Film Festival's mission to support pioneering filmmakers who inspire a new generation of creatives. Mohammed Al Turki, the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to unveil eight projects that will be strengthened by the Red Sea Fund's post-production grant, which plays a crucial role in helping filmmakers finalize their projects and prepare them for distribution and exhibition." The selected documentary projects are as follows:
- "Anti-Cinema," directed by Ali Saeed (Saudi Arabia)
- "Ressacs, A Taureg Story," directed by Intagrist El Ansari (Mauritania, Mali)
- "Run for Life," directed by Bachar Khattar (Lebanon)
The chosen fictional feature projects are as follows:
- "Dead Dog," directed by Sarah Francis (Lebanon, France)
- "Holes," directed by Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan (Saudi Arabia)
- "Red Path," directed by Lotfi Achour (Tunisia, France)
- "Songs of Adam," directed by Oday Rasheed (Iraq, Netherlands)
- "The Omen," directed by Balogi (Belgium, France, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Netherlands, Cameroon)
About the Red Sea International Film Festival: The Red Sea International Film Festival provides a platform for Arab filmmakers and industry professionals from across the globe to connect, organize feature and short film competitions, and present a series of events, masterclasses, and workshops aimed at supporting emerging talent. Running parallel to the Festival is the Red Sea Souk, the industry market designed to facilitate global exchange and partnerships between the international and Saudi film industries. The four-day market will offer a diverse program of curated events to encourage co-production, international distribution, and new business opportunities. The Souk provides unparalleled access to the vibrant Saudi scene and the thriving Arab market through pitching sessions, one-on-one meetings, screenings, industry talks, and networking events.