صانعات أفلام المستقبل في السعودية Saudi Female Future Filmmaker
A collaboration between Sard, Netflix, and NEOM Media Industries, Female Future Saudi Filmmakers is a 13-week program for 15 women from Saudi Arabia. The initiative includes a 12-week online training program starting in September focused on producing, directing and writing, followed by an eight-day final in-person schedule at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah in December, which will include a simulation pitch.
Gain unparalleled insights into practical filmmaking, develop your skills and uncover your strengths under the mentorship of seasoned industry professionals, who will guide you with respect and consideration for your individual needs and perspectives. The program is led by Mariam Naoum, supported by the Sard writing team, established film directors and experienced producers.
We are seeking new and emerging female talent in film or screenwriting, who are keen to immerse themselves into the industry. The program is looking far and wide for emerging talent throughout the Kingdom, with a focus on candidates outside of major city centers such as Riyadh. This program will be delivered in Arabic.
The program is fully funded, offered to female Saudi citizens only, and participants are expected to be fully committed throughout the learning journey. All travel, meals, and accommodation expenses will be covered for the in-person pitch event in Jeddah.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Female
- Saudi citizen or resident
- Min 21 years of age
- No work experience in the film or TV industry
- Ability to work in a team
- Higher education in a media or related writing or creative field is desirable, but not essential
- Up-to-date CV summarizing education and professional experience
- Up-to-date LinkedIn profile
- Able to commit for the full duration of the program from September – December 2024
- Bring your passion and your stories!
How will you benefit from this program?
- Develop life skills, personal independence and learn new tools for life.
- Engage in the art of self-expression through writing
- Learn teamworking skills through the medium of filmmaking
- Develop your network within the film industry
- Learn how to navigate an international film festival
- Learn how to package and pitch your projects in a professional setting
- Potential for industry work placement opportunities after the end of the program
Time Commitment:
Phase One – Online.
September 1 – 15, 2024
Two weeks – five days a week
Sessions are from 12 pm – 4:00 pm (KSA Time) – Tuesday and Friday are off
Phase Two – Online.
From Mid-September – End of November 2024
Ten weeks – two days a week
Sessions are held on Saturdays and Tuesdays each week. Sessions from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Final Week – In Jeddah at the Red Sea International Film Festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival dates are from the 5th – 14th of December 2024. Dates of travel for the workshop in Jeddah will be announced and organized ahead of the festival.
Teams and individuals are expected to deliver weekly assignments throughout the program. Groups are expected to participate in a simulation pitch to a jury at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
About Sard
Sard Writing Room is a dedicated hub for Scriptwriters, writing and producing more than 17 TV series and 1 film. Ever since it was founded by Mariam Naoum in 2016, Sard has become a safe space for aspiring screenwriters to develop their projects, improve their writing skills, and practice their creative freedom.
Sard has also pursued its essential goal of creating Arabic content that caters to Egyptian and Arabic audiences, reflecting their dreams, fears, struggles and everyday life.
About Neom
NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a New Future might look like. It is a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory – a place where entrepreneurship will chart the course for this New Future. It will be a destination and a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.
NEOM will include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a hub for innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies will come to research, incubate and commercialize new technologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways. Residents of NEOM will embody an international ethos and embrace a culture of exploration, risk-taking and diversity.
About Netflix:
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with 270 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching, as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.
*Application deadline: August 10, 2024 at 11:00pm KSA – Egypt.
APPLY HERE