Red Sea Film Foundation Announces 15 Teams, Mentors for the 2026 48HR Film Challenge

Jeddah: The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the 15 teams selected to participate in the sixth edition of the Red Sea 48Hr Film Challenge, following a record 127 submissions from emerging filmmakers across the Kingdom.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the challenge is presented in collaboration with Alliance Fran§aise and the Consulate General of France in Jeddah. It offers Saudi nationals and residents aged 18 to 25 the chance to experience the complete filmmaking process. This process includes idea development, screenwriting, production, editing, and final delivery, all within an intensive and collaborative environment.

The selected teams will receive mentorship and undergo training workshops led by three accomplished filmmakers and creative practitioners. These workshops will cover essential areas such as production design, filmmaking, and screenwriting.

Once the workshops conclude, the teams will have 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit an original short film based on designated themes. Each film must also include a surprise scenic or prop element, which will be revealed shortly before the filming begins.

Two winning teams will be awarded the Red Sea 48Hr Film Challenge trophies. Additionally, the leader of each winning team will receive an international residency opportunity in France in 2027. The winning films will also be screened at the next edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival.

The Red Sea 48Hr Film Challenge is part of the Red Sea Film Foundation's ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent in the Kingdom. By combining practical training, professional mentorship, collaborative production, and international exposure, the challenge aims to help participants strengthen their creative voices, build professional experience, and take their initial steps into the film industry.