Red Sea IFF unveils full programme for Red Sea Souk

The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) has revealed the full industry programme for its Red Sea Souk, the largest film market in the Arab region. The programme will take place from 6-10 December, welcoming over 160 exhibitors from over 45 countries to its marketplace, with a 20% increase in stands from the previous edition. 

The Festival’s flagship industry conversation series, Souk Talks, returns with a programme of high-level discussions offering essential insights into the global film landscape. Running throughout the full duration of the Souk, the sessions will bring together some of the most influential and forward-thinking voices from across the regional and international screen industries, discussing the key issues shaping today’s screen content ecosystem including AI, co-production, the streaming landscape, the growth of Saudi audiences and the kinds of projects financiers are seeking.

The lineup of speakers include Hamza Ali (Watermelon Pictures), Anmar Al Qurashi (VOX Cinemas), Ash Atalla (Roughcut Television), Gaëtan Bruel (CNC), Gianluca Chakra (Front Row Entertainment), Akunna Cook (Next Narrative Africa Fund), David Davoli (Anonymous Content), Alaa Fadan (Telfaz11), Tamim Fares (Disney+), Stuart Ford (AGC Studios), Soleil Gharbieh (The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture), Ali Jaafar (MBC Group), Rony Jazzar (IMAGIC Group), Alaa Karkouti (MAD Solutions & Arab Cinema Center), Sonia Latoui (Mediawan), Vikram Malhotra (Abundantia Entertainment), Natasha Matos-Hemingway (Shahid), Imane Mezher Gibran (Netflix), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu (Akuna Group), Steve Plimsoll (HUMAIN), Negin Salmasi (Medan), Zaid Shaker (Film AlUla), and David Taghioff (Library Pictures International).

The Souk Talents strand continues to empower emerging film professionals from Saudi Arabia and the Arab region through a dynamic programme of workshops, mentorship, and interactive talks. This year, the initiative expands upon The Gems Program with four complementary strands: Filmmakers Gems, a personalized program for directors presenting short films in competition; Film Critics Gems, a reflective space for open discussions on the role and impact of film criticism; Short Film Gems, an initiative to support emerging filmmakers to develop their projects; and Industry Gems, a mentorship programme with support from industry partners including Cannes Makers.

The Talents Open Talks programme presents a series of engaging sessions exploring the varied dimensions of filmmaking. Sessions include The Film Journey Live – inviting the audience to actively take part in exploring the complete production journey of an independent film idea from development and casting to sales and release; How to Make Your Short Shine with Canadian executive Jennifer Chen, focusing on distribution and festival strategy for short films; and Cinephilomania, an inspiring conversation with renowned filmmaker Cherien Dabis reflecting on her creative journey and influences. The Talent team will also deliver Souk Connections, a daily opportunity for delegates to sign up for 15 minute meetings with a wide selection of industry experts attending the Souk and the festival.

The Souk additionally offers daily networking opportunities in association with industry partners including Shanghai International Film Festival, Seera Studios, the African Culture Agency and the University of Southern California, as well as exclusive opportunities for Guild and Souk Pro members to view films from the Red Sea IFF’s feature film programme.

The previously announced Project Market will take place during the Souk, presenting 40 feature and TV projects in development, production and post-production which showcase talent and stories from Africa, Asia and the Arab World. All Souk activities will take place in an expanded purpose-built location near the Festival’s headquarters at the Cultural Square.