Take 48!
The energy was high, the stories were fresh, and the cameras didn’t stop rolling, all in just two days. The fifth annual 48Hr Film Challenge, hosted by the Red Sea Film Foundation in collaboration with the Alliance Française and the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, celebrated another round of exceptional creativity and quick-fire storytelling.
Held in the heart of Historic Jeddah , Al Balad, at the Culture Square, the awards ceremony honored a new wave of filmmakers ready to leave their mark on Saudi cinema.
Filmmaking in Fast Forward
If you’re new to the 48Hr Film Challenge, here’s how it works: participants, all either Saudi or residents of Saudi Arabia, are given just 48 hours to brainstorm, script, film, and edit an original short film. No extensions, no retakes. It’s a sprint, not a marathon, and it’s as intense as it is inspiring.
This year’s challenge took place over July 18–19, following intensive workshops on July 11–12. These weren’t just any workshops, they were led by renowned and remarkable talent, including Iraqi director Ahmed Yassine Darradji, Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel, and editor Cyril Aris, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. So when the clock started ticking, these young creatives were more than ready to roll.
A Night of Recognition
The awards night brought together a panel of respected judges, Saudi actor Yasser Al Saggaf, Lebanese actress and director Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker Ayoub Layoussifi. The room was buzzing with anticipation as winners were announced, and rightly so.
WAJOOM, led by Maan Alsiari, and MUBHAM, by Muhannad Alzahrani, took home the top honors. A Special Mention was awarded to Next Time, directed by Khaled Kaseb and team. Their work stood out for its originality, cinematic quality, and how well they used the time-crunch format to their advantage.
As a bonus, these films will be screened at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in December. And the winning teams? They’re off to an exclusive artist residency at a prestigious film school in France in 2026.
The Sprint That Launches Careers
It might look like a weekend project, but the 48Hr Film Challenge often marks the start of something much bigger. Over the past five years, more than 70 Saudi filmmakers have taken part, and many have gone on to achieve major milestones.
Take Tala Alharbi, for example. Her film When Red Blooms was screened not just at the Red Sea International Film Festival, but also at the Casablanca Film Festival. It even caught the eye of Netflix, joining their “New Saudi Voices” program.
Or look at Abdullah Al-Maghrabi, who moved on to regional and international festivals and landed a spot in MBC’s talent program. Then there’s Khaled Zidan, winner of the 2022 challenge, whose film Mera Mera Mera premiered at Red Sea 2024 and became the first Saudi short film to screen at Clermont-Ferrand, a major milestone.
Building Bridges Through Film
The 48Hr Film Challenge goes beyond filmmaking, it highlights the creative partnership between Saudi Arabia and France. With support from the Institut français and French diplomatic institutions, this initiative brings not only knowledge-sharing but also real opportunities for cultural exchange.
“The 48Hr Film Challenge perfectly reflects the creativity and dynamism of Saudi youth,” said Mohammed Nehad, Consul General of France in Jeddah. “It’s about training, innovation, and intercultural dialogue. We’re proud to support these rising filmmakers and their voices.”
Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how events like this align with the larger goals of Saudi Vision 2030. “We’re investing in a pipeline of skilled filmmakers whose work will help build Saudi Arabia’s creative economy,” he said.
Cue the Next Chapter
With each passing year, the 48Hr Film Challenge grows in scope and impact. From boosting skill development to opening doors for international exposure, it’s shaping the future of Saudi cinema in real time.
And it’s not slowing down. Whether it’s the lightning-fast production pace, the quality of mentorship, or the opportunity to be part of something bigger than a single short film, the 48Hr Film Challenge is proving to be a game-changer for emerging talent in the region.
For anyone with a story to tell and the passion to tell it fast, this is your stage.
Celebrate Saudi National Day
Saudi National Day is this week, and the celebrations across the country are bigger and more exciting than ever. Whether you’re out shopping, exploring the city, or simply relaxing at a café, there’s something happening in every corner, and the most anticipated highlight? The fireworks.
