In September 2025, all completed films will be screened during two professional days dedicated to industry engagement and feedback.
The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the jury panel for the fifth edition of its 48-Hour Film Challenge, set to take place later this year. The jury will feature Saudi presenter and actor Yasser Al Saggaf, Lebanese actress and director Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker and actor Ayoub Layoussifi. All three are widely recognised for their diverse contributions to Arab and international cinema, bringing with them valuable expertise in both acting and directing.
Al Saggaf, a leading voice in Saudi media, has long championed young talent in film and broadcasting. Bsaibes is celebrated across the Arab world for her memorable roles in film and television and her growing influence as a director. Layoussifi has gained acclaim for his award-winning works, including TIKITAT-A-SOULIMA, Dis-moi Mohammed… and Shikha, which was selected for the Red Sea Short Film Competition in 2024. Their combined insights are expected to bring both depth and constructive guidance to this year’s challenge.
Organised 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 designed to empower emerging Saudi filmmakers through a demanding time-bound competition rooted in collaboration and innovation.
The 2025 edition will feature 14 teams: 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) and Mohanad Alzahrani (TWINREEL).
Ahead of the competition, the selected teams participated in a two-day preparatory workshop on July 11–12, 2025. The sessions were led by Iraqi director Ahmed Yassin Aldaradji, Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel and Academy member Cyril Aris, who provided training in directing, screenwriting, and editing to help participants prepare for the challenge of producing a complete short film within 48 hours.
The completed films will premiere in September 2025 during two professional days focused on industry engagement, where participants will showcase their work and receive mentorship from Saudi and French professionals. Two winning teams will be chosen based on creativity, technical execution, and storytelling impact. Their films will be screened at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025, and the team leaders will also be awarded an exclusive filmmaking residency in France in 2026.
Now in its fifth year, the 48-Hour Film Challenge has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s independent cinema movement. Since its launch, it has nurtured a new generation of storytellers, enabling young filmmakers to showcase their talent, participate in international film platforms, and advance their professional careers.
