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The Lodge 2025 Progresses: Red Sea Labs Continues Its Support For Emerging Filmmakers In Its 6th Edition

February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025

  • RED SEA LABS CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING CINEMATIC TALENT THROUGH THE 6TH EDITION OF THE LODGE 2025, LAUNCHED EARLIER THIS YEAR.

Following a successful launch, The Lodge 2025 is now in progress, supporting emerging filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, Asia, and Africa. Organized by Red Sea Labs—a program under the Red Sea Film Foundation— in collaboration with TorinoFilmLab, the program began with a Prelude Workshop tailored for Saudi talent and continues through a series of workshops designed to refine and elevate the selected projects ahead of their industry presentation at the Red Sea International Film Festival.

Twelve exceptional film projects, representing emerging talent from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab, Asian, and African regions, have been selected for this intensive ten-month mentorship. Over this period, these projects will be nurtured through a series of six workshops, culminating in a final presentation and pitching opportunity at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.

Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “At the Red Sea Film Foundation, we are dedicated to championing and empowering emerging filmmakers, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and global exposure needed to bring their stories to life. The Lodge serves as the creative engine in this journey, equipping talented storytellers with the skills and industry connections to elevate their projects. This year’s edition is particularly exciting, as it features a remarkable selection of five Saudi projects—the largest we have ever had. We look forward to seeing the impact of this year’s program and the incredible films that will emerge from it.”

Ryan Ashore, Head of Red Sea Labs, stated, “The Lodge remains a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing emerging filmmakers and fostering groundbreaking storytelling. As we welcome a new cohort of exceptional talent, we continue to strengthen creative collaborations between Asia, the Arab world, and Africa, shaping a cinematic landscape rich with diverse perspectives.”

These selected projects reflect the depth of creativity and ambition within our region. By expanding opportunities through The Lodge and our broader initiatives, we are shaping a thriving ecosystem where filmmakers can develop their vision and take their stories to the world.”

Comprehensive Curriculum and Expert Mentorship

The Lodge 2025 provides a comprehensive curriculum across six intensive workshop sessions led by industry experts, covering all aspects of film production, from script consultations and development to co-production strategies, financing, legal considerations, marketing, and sales. Participants will also benefit from expert guidance in directing, cinematography, sound, editing, and post-production, both in individual and group sessions. The diverse approaches and enriching peer-to-peer learning experiences will significantly enhance the teams’ project development throughout the program.

Presentations to an International Jury

The program culminates with project presentations at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, offering filmmakers an unparalleled platform to pitch their projects to a highly influential audience of international producers, sales agents, distributors, and other key industry professionals. This prestigious platform also facilitates valuable one-on-one meetings, fostering connections and potential collaborations. Furthermore, an international jury will award production grants from the Red Sea Film Festival and other regional entities to support the most promising projects, furthering their development and potential for realization.

Led by Industry Experts

The Lodge’s distinguished teaching team includes Violeta Bava, Head of Studies and Michel Kammoun, Head of Script Development. With the tutor team including Savina Neirotti, Flaminio Zadra, Mhamed Ben Attia, Sabine Sidawi, Magali Negroni, Yorgos Tsurgiannis and Geust Mentors, Paul Tyler, Jean-Guy Veran, Marta Andreu and Alessandro Avataneo.

Shortlisted projects from Saudi Arabia:

  • Green Corpse; Writer/Director Khaled Zidan, Producer Bakr Alduhaim
  • Street Education; Writer/Director Yaser B., Producer Amal Alsenan
  • DHEL; Director Dania Altayeb, Writer Waad Janbi, Producer Muath Mansor
  • Positive; Director Hanaa Saleh Alfassi, Writer Hanaa Hejazi, Producer Sue-Ellen Chitunya
  • Salma and the Moon and the Stars; Writer/Director Maram Taibah, Producer Farah Jouni

Shortlisted projects from International Applicants:

  • Price of Evil; Writer/Director Ibrahim Mursal, Producer Jonas Bruun (Sudan & Norway)
  • A Time to Wander; Writer/Director Rim Nakhli (Tunisia)
  • Nkanai; Writer / Director Bruno Tanya, Producer Audrey Tanya (Kenya)
  • Love is a Deeper Shade of Red; Writer / Director Cheta Chukwu, Producer Sheila Nortley (Nigeria)
  • Unholy; Writer Sofia Lo, Director Mohammad Reza Fahriyansyah, Producer Amerta Kusuma (Indonesia)
  • The Daughter; Director/Writer Tian Guan, Producer Vivian Bao (China)
  • Veil Whisperer; Writer/Director Lanhua Ma, Producer Aihui Dong (China & Switzerland)