This year's 48Hr Film Challenge has selected 15 teams to create short films within a two-day timeframe.
Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the winners of its third edition of the 48Hr Film Challenge. This event showcased the ingenuity of Saudi filmmakers who pushed creative boundaries to craft short films within a two-day timeframe.
In a testament to their cinematic prowess, the laurels were bestowed upon two standout teams: JSR, led by Jwana Al-Zahrani, and 6th Grade C, led by Abdulrahman Batawei. The winning teams received their awards from the foundation and the consulate general of France in a special screening held at Red Sea Mall in Jeddah.
A select group of 15 teams embarked on the challenge, summoned to transform their concepts into compelling short films.
A distinguished panel, comprising luminaries from the global film arena including Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen, Egyptian actress Amina Khalil, and French writer Alexandre Tylski, collectively adjudicated the entries. The Last Thread and Art Block, creations by the victorious teams, emerged as resounding testaments to Saudi cinema’s pioneering spirit.
The 48Hr Film Challenge serves as a launchpad for creativity, prompting participants to ideate, shoot, and produce a short film within the tight confines of 48 hours. Alliance Francaise, the Embassy of France in Saudi Arabia, Neom, TV5 Monde, Hayy Jameel, and Vox Cinemas support the competition.
Beyond the whirlwind competition, participants were immersed in a series of exclusive sessions spanning August 25 to 27. These experiences encompassed workshops and discussions, punctuated by insights shared by four Saudi and four French filmmaking experts.
Within the folds of these technical workshops and mentorship sessions, notable industry luminaries lent their expertise. Lebanese scriptwriter and filmmaker Sophie Boutros, Saudi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Salman, Egyptian producer and filmmaker Hala Lotfy, and Jordanian director of photography Samer El-Nimri were among the guides who facilitated invaluable learning, according to Arab News.
For the winning team leaders, an opportunity awaits as the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France extends an invitation for a residency. Meanwhile, the winning films will find a spotlight at the upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival in December.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Neom as a production partner, filmmakers are set to benefit from accommodations within the sprawling purpose-built facility, the region’s largest. This initiative, spanning throughout 2024, offers not just financial incentives but also access to cutting-edge soundstages and landscapes that enrich their projects.
A six-month mentorship programme is poised to further enhance their capabilities, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to shape their cinematic visions to fruition.
