Jeddah: The Red Sea Souk, part of the Red Sea International Film Festival, is set to welcome more than 160 exhibitors from over 45 countries in its fifth edition, making it one of the Arab world's largest specialized film markets. The event, which runs from December 6 to 10, will see a 20% increase in exhibition pavilions compared with last year, indicative of Saudi Arabia's expanding influence in the global film industry.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this year's Souk will offer a comprehensive program of activities aimed at bringing together emerging talent, filmmakers, and industry leaders from both the regional and international arenas. The event will feature panel discussions, workshops, and training sessions designed to support professional development and enhance co-production opportunities.
The Souk Talks program will return with curated high-level conversations providing in-depth perspectives on global cinema. These discussions will involve leading international figures in broadcasting, production, and distribution, addressing key issues such as the role of AI, the rapid growth of Saudi audiences, co-production landscapes, and the interest of funding bodies in new projects.
The program will also host a select group of leaders and experts from major regional and international film and media companies. Their participation is expected to enrich the discussions and provide valuable insights into the industry's future. Additionally, selected industry partners will have the opportunity to conduct specialized sessions, showcasing new initiatives and highlighting the latest industry developments.