Netflix, in partnership with Sard and NEOM Media Industries, announced the launch of a new program for 15 new and emerging female filmmakers from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Female Future Filmmakers Program, part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, aims to identify the next generation of female talent in the Saudi film industry.
The program will unfold in two phases, with the first phase starting in September with a 10-day virtual introductory course, divided into one week of writing and one week of directing and producing. During phase two, participants will be divided into groups where they will engage in a ten-week online advanced writing program where they will collaborate with mentors to develop short scripts. Participants will then be given the opportunity to pitch the scripts to a panel of experts in a simulation pitch exercise at the upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival. Participants will also get the opportunity to experience the festival, attend workshops and panel discussions as well as networking events.
Applications for the program will open on July 24th until August 10th on the following link for women candidates aged 21 and over, residing in Saudi Arabia with no prior experience working in the film and TV industry. Following this, an external jury will review applications and successful candidates will be notified in the latter half of August.
Netflix remains committed to amplifying women’s stories, building the talent pipeline, and supporting Arab women filmmakers through its ‘Because She Created’ initiatives. Netflix previously partnered with Sard to launch the ‘Because She Created’ writing program in Egypt, a dedicated hub for scriptwriters in the Arab world, to train women in writing and develop their storytelling and creative expression skills.
