Frequently asked questions

There is no limit to the number of submissions directed by the same filmmaker(s).

Narrative and non-fiction films eligible for our sections are: feature narratives and documentaries , short films, as well as new Saudi features and shorts.

Film selections are announced by mid-October.

There is no need to upload your film. We only require a private online viewing link and password.

Only links to private viewing online are accepted as part of the submission form. The link should be viewable directly online without the need to download.

To update an existing film information, please log in again using your RedSeaIFF username and password. Once on the dashboard, you can click on "View Submission" which will take you to the list of films or projects submitted and edit/update accordingly. (Only applicable until the submission deadline).

An automatic confirmation email is sent once your submission has been received.

RedSeaIFF accepts submissions from films qualifying as Asian or African (including the Arab region). These films must either be made in Africa or Asia; be financed produced or co-produced by African or Asian entities; or be films with a director, prominent cast or crew from Asia or Africa. Filmmakers from African or Asian diaspora can also qualify if they have made films in the rest of the world.

For works in progress, we strongly advise you to submit the most updated version before the submission. If your film gets selected, the RedSeaIFF submissions team will then advise you on the deadline to receive the final cut.

Feature films are those that are 60 minutes or longer, while short films should not exceed 59 minutes.

We require an Arab region premiere for any film that is to be screened in the Festival, except for submissions to New Saudi/New Cinema and Festival Favorites.

For information on our various film programs, kindly visit https://redseafilmfest.com/en/program-sections/ . Please note that the Festival programmers reserve the right to decide on which section or competition the submitted films are placed, irrespective of the category that they had initially applied for.

We encourage films that are at the fine cut stage at least. Sound and color mix are not necessary at the submission stage. If the film has been selected, then the film copy must be ready to screen and received by October 22 at the very latest.

We don't accept scripts as film submissions. A completed online submission form and an online viewing link of the entire film must be included for the film to be considered.

Yes, but only if we ask for it. You must inform the submissions team before resubmitting, and the selection committee has the right to refuse the updated viewing version of the film.

We advise that all passwords created upon submission remain valid until submissions are officially closed. If the password needs to be changed, make sure to notify us immediately.

If you are Saudi/Arab and the film subject has direct relevance to the Arab world, it will be classified as a Saudi/Arab film.