The Red Sea International Film Festival has announced the selection of jury members for its “Project Market,” the festival’s industry arm, as part of its preparations for the highly anticipated fifth edition, scheduled to take place from December 4 to 13, 2025. This announcement represents a pivotal step in supporting emerging and established cinematic talent, as these prestigious committees will be responsible for evaluating participating projects and selecting the winners of the market’s awards, which are among the most prominent in the Arab region and Africa.
Background and development of the Red Sea Film Festival
Since its inception in 2021, the Red Sea International Film Festival has established itself as a leading cultural platform in the heart of historic Jeddah. Founded as an initiative of Saudi Vision 2030, the festival aims to enrich the Kingdom’s cultural landscape, support the local and regional film industry, and foster global cultural dialogue. The Red Sea Market is an integral part of this vision, providing a vital platform for filmmakers to connect with international producers, distributors, and financiers, thus helping transform creative ideas into completed film projects.
The importance and impact of market awards
The Red Sea Film Market Awards hold special significance as they offer more than just financial support; they also provide mentorship and professional networking opportunities. This year, 28 awards will be presented, covering various stages of production, including projects in development, works in progress, and series projects. With a total value exceeding two million Saudi Riyals, these awards aim to empower filmmakers from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia to complete their projects and present them to a global audience. The awards are presented by a jury and the Red Sea Fund, in addition to valuable prizes offered by leading international partners in the global film industry.
In this context, Shivani Pandya Malhotra, General Manager of the Red Sea International Film Festival, explained that “the Market Awards contribute to supporting emerging and established cinematic talent in the Arab world, Asia, and Africa, and enhance the opportunities for their projects to reach advanced stages of production and distribution.” She added that hosting a distinguished panel of local and international jurors enriches the professional experience of the participants and strengthens the festival’s credibility on the international stage.
A strategic vision to support the industry
For his part, the festival's CEO, Faisal Baltayour, affirmed that the market awards represent a cornerstone of the Red Sea Film Foundation's strategy to support the industry year-round. He noted that "this year's edition is witnessing a clear expansion of the Red Sea Film Market, enhancing integration between the stages of film development, financing, and distribution during the festival." This expansion reflects the festival's commitment to building a sustainable film ecosystem, capable of competing globally and attracting quality investments to the region.
The Market Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 10, 2025, as a culmination of the creators' efforts and a celebration of the new stories that will make their way to the big screen thanks to this pivotal support.
