The Red Sea Film Foundation is back with another awesome challenge.
Returning for the fifth time, the 48 hour challenge jury has been revealed.
This year’s panel brings together a diverse mix of judges from Arab and international cinema: Saudi presenter and actor Yasser Al Saggaf, Lebanese actress and director Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker and actor Ayoub Layoussifi.
Each juror is recognized for their work both in front of and behind the camera, offering a broad perspective for evaluating the competing films. Their combined expertise will help ensure the judging process is both fair and insightful, with constructive feedback aimed at helping filmmakers grow their craft.
48 hour challenge jury unveiled
Organized by the Red Sea Film Foundation in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, the Embassy of France in Saudi Arabia, Alliance Française, and the Centre for French Culture, the challenge is designed to empower emerging Saudi filmmakers.
The format is simple but demanding: participants must create a complete short film, from concept to final edit, in just 48 hours. This tight timeframe encourages collaboration, quick thinking, and resourcefulness, while giving filmmakers a taste of real-world production pressures.
Preparation through industry expertise
In July 2025, the 14 shortlisted teams attended an intensive two-day workshop, led by experienced film industry professionals. These sessions prepared them for the high-speed challenge, covering storytelling, technical skills, and production strategies.
The Red Sea Film Foundation believes that this preparation is just as important as the challenge itself, giving participants practical knowledge they can carry into future projects.
Screenings, feedback, and mentorship
This September, all completed films will be screened during two professional days focused on industry networking and feedback. Participants will have the chance to discuss their work with professionals from both Saudi Arabia and France through focused workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions.
The jury will then select two winning teams based on creativity, technical execution, and storytelling impact. The winning team leaders will receive an exclusive filmmaking residency in France in 2026. Their films will also be showcased at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025.
More than just a competition
Now in its fifth year, the 48-Hour Film Challenge has become a key initiative in Saudi Arabia’s independent cinema scene. Through the Red Sea Film Foundation, it has provided opportunities for dozens of young filmmakers, many of whom have gone on to secure festival screenings, develop new projects, and build sustainable careers in the industry.
The challenge is not your typical a test of speed, it’s more of a launchpad for emerging voices in Saudi cinema.
About the Red Sea International Film Festival
The Red Sea Film Foundation is also the driving force behind the annual Red Sea International Film Festival, held each December in Jeddah. The festival showcases films from around the world, with a strong focus on Arab and African cinema, and provides a global platform for Saudi filmmakers. Beyond screenings, the festival includes workshops, masterclasses, and networking events, making it one of the region’s most important cultural gatherings for the film industry.
Looking ahead
With its mix of creative freedom, practical training, and international exposure, the 48-Hour Film Challenge continues to highlight the Red Sea Film Foundation’s role in preparing the next generation of filmmakers. By offering both opportunities and resources, the foundation is helping to ensure that Saudi talent is seen, heard, and supported, locally and on the world stage.
Saudi cinema
Looking to showcase your swansong on the biggest film stage in the world? For the first time ever, the Saudi Film Commission has opened submissions that will be sent to the International feature category at the Oscars. The third edition of the Film Criticism Conference.
