The Premier Film Market in the MENA Region
Red Sea Souk brings together new and established industry players to discover business opportunities, build meaningful connections, and explore new projects in the heart of Jeddah’s historic district, Al Balad, the home of the Red Sea International Film Festival, taking place from 5–9 December 2026.
More than a central hub for industry exchange, the Souk is the leading film market in the MENA region, offering access to outstanding talent, film projects, and key decision-makers from across the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
With strong participation from local and international trade press, the Souk provides a unique platform to promote partnerships, services, and industry opportunities.
Building on the success of previous editions, the 6th edition of the Souk Project Market will present a curated selection of 32 feature film projects, including films in development or production and works-in-progress.
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 meetings.
Souk Talents is dedicated to nurturing aspiring talent and industry professionals keen to transition from short-form storytelling to feature-length projects.
The Souk Exhibition continues to bring together leading companies and institutions from across the industry, creating a dynamic hub for business and collaboration. Each day, the Souk concludes with Souk Social an end-of-day networking gathering where delegates and film professionals connect and exchange ideas.
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.
