The Lodge

Open to teams of Saudi and Arab directors and producers—with scriptwriters if on board—this intensive creative and professional training program will take your project from idea to reality. Every year, the Red Sea Lodge turns ambitious emerging filmmakers into the next big thing.

For filmmakers on the cusp of their big break, the Red Sea Lodge, in partnership with TorinoFilmLab, selects projects for creative and professional mentorship, development, and next-level industry opportunities.

In 2023, the Lodge expands over ten months (duration is subject to change depending on the to-be-announced Festival dates and the global health situation) and five workshops to give you a broad overview and strong grounding to explore your project’s full dramatic and production potential. You’ll be mentored by a Head of Script Development and Head of Production, with guidance from specialists across the industry.

Alongside ongoing script development sessions, the program features a producer coaching program and covers professional development, production, financing, sales, and marketing. During the workshop, participants also have the opportunity to work with internationally experienced professionals from the fields of directing, cinematography, sound
editing, post-production, and sales.

Following development and meetings with industry professionals, winners will share a pot of $200,000 in cash prizes, based on merit. The awards will be announced during the Festival.