12 film projects selected by Red Sea Int. Film Festival

CAIRO - 30 September 2019: The Red Sea International Film Festival announced on Monday, Sept. 30 selecting 12 film projects in the first edition of the festival’s lab for film development. The festival’s international committee selected 120 film projects from 16 countries.

One-third of the projects selected are for Arab female directors, and more than a quarter are produced by Arab female producers. The selected works also included six Saudi projects, in addition to six projects from Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon. This reflects the program's endeavor to support the local and Arab film industry.

Each film project consists of a team made of a director, a writer and a producer. The selected names included emerging talents presenting their first or second feature film, in addition to prominent names who offer new film experiences and ideas.

Participants will compete for two funding grants to produce two projects worth half a million dollars per project. The two winning film projects will premiere at the second edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival that will be held in 2021.

The selected projects will join the lab’s integrated program that presents three workshops, held in collaboration with Torino Film Lab, in Jeddah under the supervision of international experts in the fields of directing, photography, sound and editing.

The lab also supports all stages of film production including the script writing and commercial aspects of finance, distribution and audience engagement.

The first workshop will launch in October 2019 and will conclude on the sidelines of the Red Sea International Film Festival in March 2020.

The committee included significant names in the Arab and international film industry, including CEO of the Red Sea International Film Festival Mahmoud Sabbagh, Director of the Red Sea Film Market Julia Bergeron, Director of the Arab Program at the Red Sea International Film Festival Antoine Khalifa, Head of Studies at the Venice Film Festival College Jane Williams and Executive Director of Torino Film Lab Safina Neruti.

Furthermore, Saudi writer and critic Fahad al-Osta and Layali Badr from the Arab Radio and Television Network participated in examining the presented film projects. Saudi producer Jumana Zahid oversees the Red Sea Film Lab for film development.

Saudi film projects focused on the socio-economic transformations witnessed in the kingdom, such as the discovery of oil, and the storming invasion of the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979.

The Saudi film projects also shed light on the marginalization of women in the Saudi society and their daily social struggle. One Suadi project dealt with the contemporary psychological treatment of loneliness.

The participating film from Egypt

”Rehlat al-Rosas Wal Khobz”

The film is written and directed by Mohamed Hammad. It is the production of Mohamed Hefzy and Kholoud Saad.

The film revolves around an accidental encounter between the brutal bandit, Awad, and the educated young man, Yusuf, that leads to an unexpected friendship and a life full of pain, betrayal and death.

Participating films from KSA

”Momarasat el Ta’adod”

This animation film is written and directed by Malak Qouta. It is the production of Bentley Brown.
The animated feature film records the daily struggle of several characters in the face of customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia.

”Basma Adli”

“Basma Adli” film is directed by Ali el-Sameen and written by Fatma el-Banawy. The film is produced by Sara el-Nawasra.

Who can save Dr. Adly after his divorce and the deterioration of his mental health? Can his daughter Basma rid him of his illusions?

”Arbaa Awgoh Lel Asefa”

The film is written and directed by Hossam el-Helwa. It is the production of Mahmoud al-Homoud.

The film tells a story about the conflict between future vision and tradition. When Saudi nomad Ayad meets American geologist Roy, a conflict that will determine the future of the kingdom arises.

”Wal Negm Eza Hawa”

Written and directed by Mohamed Salman el-Safar, the movie is produced by Mousa al-Thenayan.

An Anthology film about one woman, one kingdom and their multiple tales linked to customs and traditions and a rich cultural heritage, extending from the vast desert to the bustle of the modern city.

”Rehla Ela Disney”

Written and directed by Maha el-Saaty, “Rehla Ela Disney” is the production of Hussein Salam.

This film project portrays a journey for love. A Saudi woman travels to Florida in search for the man who left her behind, but the reality may be different from the tales of Disney and its happy endings.

”Sharshaf”

This film project is directed by Hend el-Fahhad and written by Manal al-Oweibel. It is the production of Talal el-Harby.

“Sharshaf” discusses the influence of the 1979 storming of the Grand Mosque in Mecca on the cultural and social freedom of a generation through the story of Hila, a simple Saudi girl who loves cinema.