The Red Sea Film Foundation and Effat University partnership was inaugurated at the conclusion of the university’s international film festival, in the presence of HRH princess Lolwa Al-Faisal.
This partnership provides financial support to aspiring female filmmakers from Effat University to complete their capstone film projects.
The list of supported films includes dramatic captivating narratives on complex societal issues.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-: The Red Sea Film Foundation is proud to announce its partnership for the second consecutive year with Effat University’s Cinematic Arts School, aimed at empowering promising female filmmakers as part of the Foundation’s Women in Cinema initiative. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for aspiring female filmmakers from Effat University, giving them generous support through financial grants that would help turn their artistic visions into reality.
The signing of the agreement will take place as part of Effat University International Student Film Festival on April 25, in the presence of Her Royal Highness and General Supervisor of Effat University, Princess Lolwa Al-Faisal, along with the President of the University, Dr. Haifa Reda Jamal Al-Lail.
The partnership provides financial support from the Foundation’s Red Sea Fund to support 22 film projects, done by aspiring students of the Cinematic Arts Department at Effat University. This partnership is not limited to financial support but also extends to provide mentoring support on all stages of film production, from development to post-production, which will enhance the quality of film projects, and directly contribute to enhancing students’ artistic skills, giving them an unparalleled learning experience by a group of industry leaders.
Mohammed Alturki, CEO of The Red Sea Film Foundation, praised the ongoing partnership for the second consecutive year, saying: “We are proud of our continues partnership with Effat University as part of our Women in Cinema initiative, which has proven its success in supporting and empowering women locally, regionally and internationally. This partnership reflects our commitment at The Red Sea Film Foundation in supporting promising female filmmakers to become an active part of the Saudi film landscape in line with Vision 2030. The partnership will prepare a new generation of emerging talent who will elevate the film industry in the near future.”
The list of supported films includes unique narratives discussing complex issues in a dramatic style that highlights the relationship between pain and hope in our daily lives. The list includes the film: “WHEN HOME IS GONE” directed by Hadeel Moharram, which revolves around a girl who cares for her grandmother suffering from Alzheimer amid the threat of her neighborhood’s demolishment, “ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS,” a short film directed by Sereen Sultan about the unconventional story of three Saudi sisters from a non-conservative family who face a complicated journey on their way to a wedding, “THE MOTHER I DIDN’T HAVE”, a drama by director Yasmine Kayello, which tells an emotional story of a girl’s sudden reconnection with her long-lost mother and unknown-about half-sister, and the film “TIED”, directed by Yam Fida, explores the transformation of family relationships amidst the challenges of illness and loss.
“DID IT PASS?”, another film from the list, directed by Renad Bahadir, is about a religious family facing the dilemma of their son’s suicide and their fluctuation between grief and the pressure of facing society. The final film, “Leen”, directed by Rawan Jaha, deals with the conflicts of two sisters, exploring themes of marriage, familial support, and emotional growth and discovery.
Dr. Haifa Reda Jamal Al-Lail, the president of Effat University, commented on the partnership, stating: “As we launch the eleventh edition of the Effat International Student Film Festival, we are delighted with our collaboration with the Red Sea Film Foundation, which aims to empower women in cinema and highlight the creative efforts of our students in areas such as short films, animations, and documentaries. Together, we strive to bring their voices and creativity to the community. We are committed to empowering women and enhancing their status in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Women today are active partners in development, experiencing an unprecedented level of empowerment.”
The partnership between The Red Sea Film Foundation and Effat University’s Film program is part of a series of initiatives launched over the past years to reaffirm its commitment to empowering women in the film industry, in line with the ambitious endeavours of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. In its second year, this partnership reflects the foundation’s commitment to activating its leading role in establishing exceptional partnerships with a series of cultural and educational entities for the benefit of the film industry at the local and regional levels.
