Submissions Open for the RSIFF’s 48-hour Film Challenge

The Red Sea International Film Festival has opened submissions for its annual 48-hour Film Challenge, inviting aspiring filmmakers across Saudi Arabia to push the boundaries of storytelling. Applications are now open and will close on June 15th, 2025.

The challenge is open to Saudi nationals and residents aged 18 to 25. Teams must include two to five members. While all experience levels are welcome, including first-timers, the team leader (who should also serve as the director) must be a Saudi national, and is responsible for submitting the application.

Applicants must submit a letter in English (max 1,000 words) explaining their motivation for joining, what they aim to bring to the challenge, and why they want to compete for a residency in France. A short script and links to past film or media work may also be included, though not required.

Selected teams will take part in a two-day online workshop on July 11th–12th, covering all aspects of short film production. Attendance is mandatory, except for the writing session, which is for the team’s writer and director.

Filming will take place on July 18th to the 19th. Teams will create a three to seven minute film exploring one main theme—de-coding, playing, creating, or thinking—and one sub-theme such as memory, time, technology, or breath. A surprise element revealed 24 hours before the shoot must also be included.

Films can be in Arabic or English. Arabic submissions must include English or French subtitles. All content must be newly created for the challenge.