SOUK SCHEDULE

Industry Screening (Interactive):“Hello Stranger”

Director: Paul Raschid
Country: UK
Duration: 120 min
Language: English
Contact: [email protected]

Cam is a “techno-hermit”. He conducts every aspect of his life from the comfort of his electronically automated smart home. Work, shopping, entertainment, and most notably: socializing. Cam interacts with strangers on the platform ‘Hello Stranger’: a randomized video chatting website like ‘Omegle’ or ‘ChatRoulette', which pairs him with a random user from around the world for a video call. He can cycle through different users at his own discretion - ultimate control… until he encounters a masked stranger with an altered voice. Unnerved, Cam leaves the call only to find that “The Stranger” has hacked his smart home and locked him in. “The Stranger” tells Cam that he must win three games or it’s “Game Over”.

10:00 - 12:00 | Location: Culture Square - Cinema 4

Program: Souk Screening | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

One-to-one Meetings with PM Participants

20-minute meetings available with the selected projects. Sign up via the Souk Accreditation portal.

10:00 - 12:00 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges - Appointment Only

Red Sea Souk Project Market - Works-in-Progress

Project Market Works-in-Progress showcase.
Click here to access the Book of Projects.

10:00 - 13:00 | Location: Culture Square - Cinema 1

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badge Only

Film Critics' Gems

A hands-on workshop designed to mentor and develop emerging film critics, enhancing their skills in film analysis and writing under the guidance of seasoned cinema journalists.

11:00 - 13:00 | Location: Souk Workshops Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges - Invitation Only

Finding Your Batman: Creating Authentic Content with a Global IP Strategy - A Round Table Discussion

From Hollywood and Nollywood, to comics and anime, this roundtable discussion brings developers of Batman IPs and other world-class intellectual properties to discuss the potential power of IPs and how to make them for a global audience.

12:00 - 13:30 | Location: Labs House

Program: Inspire! | Access: All Badges

Can AI be a creative partner?

This panel will explore the idea of creative AI partners in the cinema industry, the challenges of AI taking creative jobs, the programs and tools currently used in the industry, and the implications for the industry, consumers, and the economy as a whole. Speakers will delve into these considerations when developing and deploying more AI in the future.
Speakers:

• Diana Williams (CEO & Co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment)
• Jennifer Howell (Chief Creative Officer at Deep Voodoo)
• Chris Jacquemin (Head of Digital Strategy at WME Agency)

Moderator: Dr. Fatmah Baothman, Saudi A.I. Expert

13:00 - 14:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talks | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

Filming with a Smartphone

A 2-day workshop led by Yassine Lassar Ramdani from Kourtrajmé Film School, guiding participants through scripting, shooting, editing, and presenting a film—all using a smartphone, emphasizing creativity and resourcefulness.

13:00 - 15:00 | Location: Souk Workshops Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges - Invitation Only

One-to-one Meetings with PM Participants

20-minute meetings available with the selected projects. Sign up via the Souk Accreditation portal.

14:00 - 16:00 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges - Appointment Only

Red Sea Souk Project Market Pitches - Series

Episodic project pitches from the Red Sea SeriesLab program in partnership with Film Independent.
Click here to access the Book of Projects.

14:30 - 16:30 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges Only. Press access only by request

Cinematic Storytelling in Interactive Media and Video Games - A Masterclass by Mike Fischer

Video games have become a powerful medium for storytelling, creating new kinds of dynamic, immersive experiences. They are also a big business, surpassing the revenue of the film and music industries combined.
Interact with Mike Fischer, a legendary global publisher of some of the biggest video game franchises of all time, including Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Fortnite, as he explores the similarities and differences between film and video game experiences, including opportunities for filmmakers to participate in this new cinematic genre, with examples of best-in-class video game storytelling and a discussion of video games as art and culture.

17:00 - 18:30 | Location: Labs House

Program: Inspire! | Access: All Badges

The Korean Content Boom

South Korean cinema has gained international acclaim for its unique storytelling, vibrant cinematography, and cultural richness. As the appetite for Korean content remains high in the MENA region and around the globe, this session gathers expert industry voices from Korea to look at the country’s unique selling points and cultural touchstones and talk about how the international industry can develop smarter collaborations with Korea.
Speakers:

• Hyoun-soo Kim (KOFIC – Korean Film Councel - Director of Funding and Support)
• UM Tae-Hwa (Concrete Utopia – Director and Screenwriter)
• Woo-Sik Seo (CEO - Barunson C&C)
• Yeo-Jung Kim (Director - Somebody 2024)

Moderator: Masha Mogonova (Library Pictures International – Director)

17:00 - 18:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talks | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

Souk Connections

Open networking sessions for all accredited attendees to reserve 15-minute meetings with industry experts, offering insights, advice, and collaboration opportunities—expand your network and connect with key players shaping the future of film.

17:00 - 18:30 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: Souk, Labs and Festival Badges - Advance sign-up only

Souk Social hosted by KOFIC

Meet your fellow industry badge holders at this daily informal networking session.

18:30 - 19:30 | Location: Souk Cafe

Program: Souk | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges - Advance Sign-up Only

Industry Screening: “Mammah”

Director: Rahama Sadau
Country: Nigeria
Duration: 110 min
Language: Hausa
Contact: [email protected]

Six-year-old Samira, born with cerebral palsy, faces intense prejudice in the town of Kidda, where her condition and artistic talent are misunderstood and feared, with many labeling her gifts as demonic. Despite the stigma surrounding her, Samira's mother, Amina, stands as her unwavering protector, fiercely defending her daughter’s dignity and humanity. Through love and resilience, Samira’s journey defies the harsh judgments of society, proving that her strength and talent transcend the prejudices of those around her.

10:00 - 11:50 | Location: Culture Square - Cinema 4

Program: Souk Screening | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

One-to-one Meetings with PM Participants

20-minute meetings available with the selected projects. Sign up via the Souk Accreditation portal.

10:00 - 12:00 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges - Appointment Only

Red Sea Souk Project Market - Works-in-Progress

Project Market Works-in-Progress showcase.
Click here to access the Book of Projects.

10:00 - 13:00 | Location: Culture Square - Cinema 1

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badge Only

Film Critics' Gems

A hands-on workshop designed to mentor and develop emerging film critics, enhancing their skills in film analysis and writing under the guidance of seasoned cinema journalists.

11:00 - 13:00 | Location: Souk Workshops Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges - Invitation Only

Snapshot On Actors: Andrew Garfield

Engaging sessions where acclaimed actors share their career journeys, experiences, and advice, offering valuable insights about acting and cinema.

11:30 - 12:30 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges

Filming with a Smartphone

A 2-day workshop led by Yassine Lassar Ramdani from Kourtrajmé Film School, guiding participants through scripting, shooting, editing, and presenting a film—all using a smartphone, emphasizing creativity and resourcefulness.

13:00 - 15:00 | Location: Souk Workshops Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges - Invitation Only

Building French Connections

France continues to be a strong supporter of MENA projects and talent but what are the real intricacies of these working relationships? We hear the experiences of filmmakers and executives to look at best practices for the global industry to connect with French financing and creativity.
Speakers:

• Vincent Maraval (GoodFellas - CEO)
• Lotfi Achour (Director/Producer RED PATH)
• Aurélien Dirler (CNC – International and digital strategy advisor)
• Cecile Gaget (CEO -Carrousel Studios)

Moderator: Nancy Tartaglione, International Editor - Deadline

14:00 - 15:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talks | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

One-to-one Meetings with PM Participants

20-minute meetings available with the selected projects. Sign up via the Souk Accreditation portal.

14:00 - 16:00 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges - Appointment Only

Mind on Screen: The Science of Storytelling, Creativity, and Neurocinematics - A Masterclass by Dr. Heather Berlin

Join neuroscientist, psychologist, and science communicator Dr. Heather Berlin’s masterclass, where filmmakers will explore the science of storytelling. Dive into the neuroscience of creativity, learn how to seamlessly weave scientific themes into film, and discover neurocinematics—the science behind how movies affect our brains. Uncover what makes scenes unforgettable and how to craft films that resonate deeply with audiences on a neural level.

15:00 - 16:30 | Location: Labs House

Program: Inspire! | Access: All Badges

Film Analysis - The Skeleton of Your Film!

A dynamic masterclass to enhance storytelling skills by exploring structural elements of great screenplays through real-world examples and interactive discussions.

15:30 - 16:30 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges

Transcending Borders

How can writers, producers, and directors develop locally authentic films and series that might also have international appeal -- how local can you go, and is "glocal" success the best plan for every project -- or is it better to sometimes just focus on your country’s own audience? We hear from recent examples of successful local stories that have had an impact on the international stage, and expert advice about how international experts scout and champion local stories.
Speakers:

• Meg Thomson (EVP of Worldwide Content for Globalgate Entertainment)
• Barbara Teixera (CEO & Executive Producer at Anonymous Content Brazil)
• Lorenzo De Maio (President of De Maio Entertainment)
• Alaa Fadan (Co-Founder,CEO, & Chairman of Telfaz11)

Moderator: Roeg Sutherland (Co-Head of the Media Finance department and Co-Head of the International Film Group at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

17:00 - 18:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talks | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

Souk Connections

Open networking sessions for all accredited attendees to reserve 15-minute meetings with industry experts, offering insights, advice, and collaboration opportunities—expand your network and connect with key players shaping the future of film.

17:00 - 18:30 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: Souk, Labs and Festival Badges - Advance sign-up only

Skill Sets for Navigating an Ever-Changing Industry - A Round Table Discussion

Join us for an insightful roundtable discussion with seasoned experts on the essential skill sets required to thrive in the ever-evolving film industry. As technology, audience preferences, and distribution methods rapidly shift, adaptability is key to staying competitive. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how to cultivate resilience, embrace new tools, and navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise in today’s dynamic entertainment landscape.

17:00 - 18:30 | Location: Labs House

Program: Inspire! | Access: All Badges

Souk Social hosted by the Red Sea Fund

Meet your fellow industry badge holders at this daily informal networking session.

18:00 - 19:30 | Location: Souk Cafe

Program: Souk | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges - Advance Sign-up Only

One-to-one Meetings with PM Participants

20-minute meetings available with the selected projects. Sign up via the Souk Accreditation portal.

10:00 - 12:00 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges - Appointment Only

Industry Screening: “Music School”

Director: Paparao Biyyala
Country: India
Duration: 2 hours 5 min
Language: Indian
Contact: [email protected]
This 11-song musical critiques the pressure of India’s education system, which leaves little room for arts and culture. Mary and Manoj, music and drama teachers, train children in Hyderabad to perform “The Sound of Music”, but face resistance from parents. Supported by liberal families, they take the children to Goa for rehearsals, where personal dramas unfold, including Manoj’s feelings for Mary and a rebellious elopement. Despite setbacks, they return to Hyderabad and stage the play successfully, with music by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and orchestration by the London Philharmonic and Budapest Orchestra.

10:00 - 12:05 | Location: Culture Square - Cinema 4

Program: Souk Screening | Access: Souk, Labs Festival, and Press Badges

Film Critics' Gems

A hands-on workshop designed to mentor and develop emerging film critics, enhancing their skills in film analysis and writing under the guidance of seasoned cinema journalists.

11:00 - 13:00 | Location: Souk Workshops Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges - Invitation Only

Snapshot On Actors

Engaging sessions where acclaimed actors share their career journeys, experiences, and advice, offering valuable insights about acting and cinema.

11:30 - 12:30 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges

Producing a Sustainable Career

Producers and other film executives share their insights and best practices into how independent producers can take an entrepreneurial approach to building their own production companies that are sustainable for the long term. Insights will include how to attract projects, slate, and company finance; planning ahead with a diverse slate across film or TV; and trying to retain intellectual property rights (IP).
Speakers:

• Steven Markovitz (Co-founder of the non-profit organisations Electric South, DocA and the Encounters Documentary Festival)
• Dede Nickerson (Strategic Advisor, Producer at DLN Media)
• Toni Kamau (Founder of We Are Not the Machine Ltd)
• Anna Katchko, Founder – Tandem Production

Moderator: Wendy Mitchell (Journalist, moderator and film festival consultant)

12:00 - 13:00 | Location: Culture Square - Cinema 1

Program: Souk Talks | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

Film Marketing: Building the Perfect Digital Package for a Film in the Times of AI

Learn to create a standout social media package for your film with the guidance of Mathias Noschis, utilizing AI tools to shine across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

14:00 - 15:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges

One-to-one Meetings with PM Participants

20-minute meetings available with the selected projects. Sign up via the Souk Accreditation portal.

14:00 - 16:00 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges - Appointment Only

Nurturing New Diverse Voices: Exploring Talent Development Programs Around the World - A Round Table Discussion

Studios like HBO, Apple, and Disney are always looking for new creative talent from around the world. Bring your questions to this round-table discussion about how these programs help filmmakers grow in the industry.

14:30 - 16:00 | Location: Labs House

Program: Inspire! | Access: All Badges

Snapshot On Actors

Engaging sessions where acclaimed actors share their career journeys, experiences, and advice, offering valuable insights about acting and cinema.

15:30 - 16:30 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges

Leveraging Audience Insights for Film

How can filmmakers, distributors, exhibitors, and marketing professionals use new sources of data to help address the challenges of the film distribution landscape and move past the limitations of traditional marketing campaign planning? This session will address some common reasons behind film release failures and explore how adapting to the digital marketplace can help films find their audience.
Speakers:

• Ben Johnson (Gruvi - CEO)
• Nguyet Robbins (Gruvi - CRO)
• Georges Asmar (Four Star Films – Marketing Manager)

17:00 - 18:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talks | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

Building Memorable Characters: Crafting Stories That Resonate - A Masterclass by Travis Blaise

Meet Disney animation veteran and industry mentor Travis Blaise for an inspiring masterclass on crafting characters that transcend stereotypes.

Drawing on his 30+ years of experience, working on such beloved films like The Lion King and Lilo and Stitch, Travis will guide you in developing unique voices and meaningful backstories for your characters that bring your stories to life. Perfect for writers, storytellers, and animators, this session will explore how to create believable heroes that inspire, villains that challenge, and relatable companions that support the journey.

17:00 - 18:30 | Location: Labs House

Program: Inspire! | Access: All Badges

Souk Connections

Open networking sessions for all accredited attendees to reserve 15-minute meetings with industry experts, offering insights, advice, and collaboration opportunities—expand your network and connect with key players shaping the future of film.

17:00 - 18:30 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: Souk, Labs and Festival Badges - Advance sign-up only

Souk Social

Meet your fellow industry badge holders at this daily informal networking session.

18:30 - 19:30 | Location: Souk Cafe

Program: Souk Social | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges - Advance Sign-up Only

Industry Screening: She Was Not Alone

Director: Hussein Al-Asad
Country: Iraq
Duration: 90 min
Language: Arabic and English Dialogue
Contact: [email protected]

She Was Not Alone is a poetic meditation on the life of Fatima, an aging nomadic woman facing an existential crisis. Iraq’s ancient marshes and her beloved buffalo are slowly dying. The camera follows her over a period of four years, inviting viewers into the precarious intimacy of her sublime world, a crossroads for birds, myths, travelers, and the rise and fall of civilizations. The last in her family to stay - through joy, solitude, hope, and heartbreak - Fatima faces countless physical and spiritual tests to preserve her way of life.

10:00 - 11:30 | Location: Culture Square - Cinema 4

Program: Souk Screening | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival Badge/ No Press

Filmmakers Spotlight

A tailored session for emerging directors, connecting you with industry experts to gain invaluable insights and elevate your career.

10:00 - 11:30 | Location: Souk Workshops Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: Closed Session

One-to-one Meetings with PM Participants

20-minute meetings available with the selected projects. Sign up via the Souk Accreditation portal.

10:00 - 12:00 | Location: Souk Industry Room

Program: Project Market | Access: Souk / Labs Badges - Appointment Only

Championing Underserved Voices

Greenlighting more content (films, books, series) with underserved voices isn’t just a cultural imperative—it’s also good business. This session in collaboration with JVL Media brings together creators, producers, and executives who excel at championing talents and stories from marginalized communities, examining the success stories that the rest of the industry can learn from.
Speakers:

• Julius Tennon (JuVee Productions – President of Development and Production)
• Lavaille Lavette (JVL Media - Media Partner)
• Rikki Hughes (producer/showrunner, Magic Lemonade Productions)
• Eriq La Salle (actor, director, writer, producer)

Moderator: Rasha AlEmam (Yellow Camel - Co-Founder | Ceo | Producer)

11:00 - 12:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: Souk, Labs Festival, and Press Badges

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Films Are Within Reach: Capturing Our Imagination and Inspiring Our Future - A Round Table Discussion

Don’t miss this roundtable discussion where creators and scientists will explore the positive impacts of science fiction and fantasy genre films, animation, and games. New AI tools can help make fantasy a reality, but how can we retain artistic integrity, and scientific viability and create the next generation of inspiring stories?

12:00 - 13:30 | Location: Labs House

Program: Inspire! | Access: All Badges

New Horizons: Collaborating with the Saudi Film Industry - Sponsored by Visit Saudi

Learn the details of what different locations, facilities, and enablement solutions Saudi Arabia has to offer to local and international productions and filmmakers. Experts and leading figures will discuss case studies, lessons learned, and solutions from recent international shoots across Saudi Arabia, and what new developments are on the horizon for the country’s booming film industry landscape.
Speakers:

• Rasha AlEmam (Founder, CEO, Producer at Yellow Camel Studios)
• Zaid Shaker (Acting Executive Director at Film AlUla - The Royal Commission for AlUla)
• Neil Peplow (Director of Industry Learning at NEOM Media)
• Emad Eskandar (Head of Red Sea Fund - Red Sea International Film Foundation)
• Faisal Alaseeri, Director of Financing Programs Development - Cultural Development Fund

Moderator: Nadine Kreish Head of Program Administration - Red Sea International Film Foundation

12:30 - 13:30 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talks | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges

The Pitch Buzz Event Presentation

A unique platform for Selected Saudi filmmakers to pitch their short film projects.

14:00 - 15:00 | Location: Souk Forum Room

Program: Souk Talents | Access: All Badges

Souk Social “Hosted by Visit Saudi”

Meet your fellow industry badge holders at this daily informal networking session.

18:30 - 19:30 | Location: Souk Cafe

Program: Souk Social | Access: Souk, Labs, Festival, and Press Badges - Advance Sign-up Only