Saudi presenter and actor Yasser Al Saggaf, Lebanese actress Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker and actor Ayoub Layoussifi join the jury panel for 48-Hour Film Challenge
Fourteen emerging teams selected to compete for a coveted filmmaking residency in France
Jeddah : The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the jury panel for the upcoming fifth edition of the 48-Hour Film Challenge. This year’s jury features renowned Saudi presenter and actor Yasser Al Saggaf, acclaimed Lebanese actress and director Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker and actor Ayoub Layoussifi—each celebrated for their diverse contributions to Arab and international cinema, as well as their distinctive experiences in both directing and acting.
With years of experience supporting storytelling in the Arab region, Al Saggaf is widely recognized as a leading voice in Saudi media and has actively championed youth talent across media and filmmaking initiatives. Carmen Bsaibes is celebrated for her impactful roles across Arab film and television, as well as her growing presence behind the camera as a director. Ayoub Layoussifi has directed multiple award-winning films, including the short film TIKITAT-A-SOULIMA and the documentary “Dis-moi Mohammed…”, the short film ‘Shikha,’ which was selected for the Red Sea Short Film Competition in 2024, and is also known for his contributions to documentary cinema.
Their combined expertise will bring both depth and objectivity to the evaluation process, offering constructive feedback to guide the filmmakers’ development.
Organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, the Embassy of France in Saudi Arabia, Alliance Française, and the Centre for French Culture, the initiative is dedicated to empowering emerging Saudi filmmakers through a time-bound creative challenge built around collaboration and innovation.
Selected Teams for the 2025 Edition:
- Albaraa Moazzin – SAIL
- Abrar Alqurashi – CINEMANIA
- Sara Amari – JULY ECHO
- Fares Salah – SARJ
- Essam Alkhairy – GARBA3A
- Rmas Alhazmi – THE DECLIC
- Maan Alsiari – CINEPHILES
- Tala Faisal – PSYCHOSIS
- Rakan Wafa – SEA HORSEMEN
- Saad Alderaan – CMPRSN
- Khaled Kaseb – ABU HADRIYAH ST BOYS
- Hassan Alradhi – WESTRICH
- Summer Alashari – ON THE EDGE
- Mohanad Alzahrani – TWINREEL
The shortlisted teams participated in an intensive preparatory workshop on 11–12 July 2025, led by acclaimed industry experts, including Iraqi director Ahmed Yassin Aldaradji, Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel, and Academy member Cyril Aris. The sessions equipped participants with key skills in directing, screenwriting, and editing, preparing them for the fast-paced challenge of producing a short film from concept to final cut in just 48 hours.
In September 2025, all completed films will be screened during two professional days dedicated to industry engagement and feedback. Participants will explore their final works alongside professionals from Saudi Arabia and France through focused workshops and tailored one-on-one mentorship sessions.
Two winning teams will be selected by the jury based on creativity, technical execution, and storytelling impact. The winning team leaders will receive an exclusive filmmaking residency in France in 2026, organized by the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, and their films will be screened at the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025.
Now in its fifth year, the 48-Hour Film Challenge has established itself as a cornerstone of talent discovery in the Kingdom’s independent cinema scene. Over the past editions, it has supported numerous young filmmakers—many of whom have gone on to develop new projects, screen their work at film festivals, and take meaningful steps in their professional cinematic journeys. The initiative continues to be a key pillar of the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Saudi storytellers.
