JEDDAH — The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) will award an opportunity to a team of Arab filmmakers attending the Cairo Film Connection to participate in the inaugural Red Sea Souk, the international industry market taking place in Jeddah, from March 13–16, 2020.

The partnership between the Red Sea International Film Festival and Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is an acknowledgement of their shared aim in supporting a new and exciting generation of Arab filmmakers.

One project will be selected by RSIFF team from the fiction projects-in-development category. The winner will be announced during the Cairo Film Connection Award Ceremony taking place on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at the 41st Cairo International Film Festival

The chosen project’s director and producer will be awarded registration, travel, and accommodation to attend the Project Market of the Red Sea Souk, where they will pitch their project to more than 150 industry leaders.

A total of 20 teams will participate in the Project Market, including 12 developed through the Red Sea Lodge. Pitching sessions will be followed by three intensive days of one-on-one meetings, with the best projects securing funding and backing for their films.

The Red Sea International Film Festival’s industry program is a major opportunity for international film executives to connect with the regional and local film industry.

Programs including workshops, talks, masterclasses, and networking to build business between the Arab region and the world and generate awareness of the Saudi and Arab film scenes amongst new audiences.

The Red Sea International Film Festival is dedicated to supporting and showcasing Saudi, Arab, and international films, with a program reflecting the best of current world and regional cinema.

Applications from new and established voices in film are encouraged and are open until Nov. 28, 2019, via redseafilmfest.com. — SG