The Premier Film Market in the MENA Region
The Red Sea Souk is where new and established industry players discovered business opportunities, connections, and projects in the heart of Jeddah’s old town, Al Balad—the home of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
More than just a central hub for the film industry’s business exchange, the Souk is the premier film market in the MENA region, showcasing and offering access to the best Arab, African, and Asian talent, film projects, and the region’s most influential decision-makers.
Attended by all the local and international trade press, the Souk is the perfect place to promote business opportunities, services, and deals.
Building on the success stories of festival selections and award nominations from previous editions, the 5th edition of the Souk Project Market will feature a selection of 40 projects including 24 feature films in development or production and 8 Works-in-Progress. The selection also will present 8 episodic projects which are being developed through the Red Sea SeriesLab, in partnership with Film Independent.
The Souk Talks program curates a series of high-level conversations on key industry topics, while Souk Connections provides access to established industry professionals who offer their time to connect with the next generation through brief one-on-one speed meetings.
Souk Talents is dedicated to nurturing aspiring talent and industry professionals keen to transition from creating short films to feature-length projects.
to transition from creating short films to feature-length projects.
The Souk Exhibition area will continue to offer the premier film market in the MENA region, bringing together over 140 exhibitors from more than 32 different countries. The Souk provides an active industry hub that opens new possibilities for both culture and business for accredited delegates. Each day, the Souk closes with a Souk Social—an end-of-day networking hour where delegates and film professionals have the opportunity to connect.
All of this and more is exclusively enjoyed by Souk badge holders.
For more information, please reach out to souk@redseafilmfest.com.
FAQ
What is the Red Sea Souk?
The Red Sea Souk is the premier film market in the MENA region, providing opportunities for local and international industry players to discover business connections, new projects, and talent.
Where is the Souk held?
The Souk is held in Jeddah’s old town Al Balad, in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
When does the Souk take place?
The Souk will take place from December 6 to 10, 2025.
What is the Project Market?
The Red Sea Souk Project Market is a key event that supports projects by fostering international co-productions and offering access to new projects and talent. It will showcase feature films and TV series by African, Arab, and Asian directors.
What projects will be featured in the 2025 Project Market?
The Souk Project Market will feature a selection of 40 projects including 24 projects in development, 8 works-in-progress and 8 SeriesLab projects.
When does the Project Market take place?
The Project Market will take place during the Souk, from December 6 to 10, 2025.
Who can attend the Red Sea Souk?
The event is open to accredited delegates, including industry professionals, filmmakers, and exhibitors from the Arab, African, and Asian regions, as well as international attendees.
What is Souk Talks?
Souk Talks are a series of curated high-level conversations on key industry topics featuring industry leaders and experts.
What is Souk Connections?
Souk Connections offers one-on-one speed meetings with established industry professionals to connect with the next generation of filmmakers and professionals.
What is Souk Talents?
Souk Talents is a platform dedicated to nurturing aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals looking to transition from short films to feature-length projects.
What is the Souk Exhibitors area?
The Souk Exhibition area is a premier marketplace where 80 exhibitors from over 20 countries showcase their services and engage with key industry players.
What is Souk Social?
Souk Social is a daily networking hour at the end of each day, offering delegates and film professionals an opportunity to connect and collaborate.
What awards are available at the Project Market?
All selected projects in the Project Market will compete for cash awards from the Red Sea Fund, awarded by the Project Market juries. Additional awards will be provided by the Red Sea Souk partners.
When will the 2025 Project Market selections be announced?
The 2025 project selections will be announced soon.
How can I participate in the Red Sea Souk?
To participate, you need to obtain Souk accreditation, which grants you access to all Souk events and activities.
