The Red Sea Film Foundation announced the continuation of its partnership with Film Independent for a third consecutive year, as part of the Feature Films Program under Red Sea Labs.
The collaboration focuses on supporting emerging filmmakers through a structured development program that combines mentorship, creative guidance, and access to an international network of industry professionals. The program supports selected projects from early development through to production.
Earlier this year, the Foundation announced the 2026 cohort of the Feature Films Program, selecting 12 projects — including three from Saudi Arabia and nine international titles. The selected projects reflect a range of voices from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
Through this collaboration, participants will benefit from expanded industry exposure and direct engagement with experienced mentors, helping them further develop their projects and navigate the international film landscape.
Commenting on the partnership, Ryan Ashore, Director of Red Sea Labs, said: “The Feature Film Program is our flagship. An ambitious endeavor at the heart of what we do. Together with Film Independent, we’re combining experience, vision, and global reach to give filmmakers what matters most: real momentum, bringing their stories to the world while preserving the spirit of cinema.”
“Film Independent has decades of experience cultivating the early careers of acclaimed directors such as Cherien Dabis (All That’s Left of You) and Siân Heder (CODA), so we are thrilled to expand our reach in support of directors from such diverse parts of the world like Cambodia, Ethiopia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia,” added María Raquel Bozzi, Senior Director of Education and International Programs at Film Independent.
The partnership is part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to strengthen its development programs and build long-term collaborations that support filmmakers and contribute to the growth of the film industry in the region.
Red Sea Film Foundation Continues Partnership With Film Independent For A Third Year
Red Sea Labs Selects 12 Projects For the New Edition Of the Feature Films Program
