The Music & Sound Program

Third Edition · Online · 7–11 December 2026

Red Sea Labs’ Music & Sound Program returns for its third edition, bringing together film composers and sound designers from the Arab world, Africa and Asia for five days of intensive online learning, mentorship and collaboration.
The program reflects the Red Sea Film Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting composers and sound designers as essential voices in cinema, providing opportunities to develop their craft, exchange ideas and connect with established industry professionals.

About the Program

Designed for professional and advanced emerging practitioners, the program explores how music, sound design, dialogue and silence shape a film’s story, characters and emotional world.
Through masterclasses, practical workshops, case studies and individual feedback, participants will strengthen their creative practice and deepen their understanding of working with directors, editors and fellow sound professionals.
The program welcomes participants across two tracks: Film Composition and Sound Design. Alongside sessions dedicated to each discipline, participants will take part in shared learning and collaborative exercises that explore the relationship between music, sound and image.

What Participants Will Explore

Approaching music and sound through story, character and point of view.
Developing a distinctive musical or sonic identity for a film.
Understanding the relationship between composition, sound design, dialogue and silence.
Strengthening collaboration with directors, editors and other creative departments.
Exploring professional workflows, from initial ideas to soundtrack delivery.
Developing creative work through practical exercises and mentor feedback.

Program Details

Edition Third edition, 2026
Format Online
Duration Five days
Dates 7–11 December 2026
Participants Film composers and sound designers
Language English
Daily commitment Approximately four to five hours of live sessions, plus assignments and collaborative work
Application window 12–26 November 2026
Fees Free to apply and free to participate

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to professional and advanced emerging film composers and sound designers from the Arab world, Africa and Asia.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Relevant experience in music composition and/or sound design.
A developed creative practice and an interest in film and audiovisual storytelling.
Artistic potential and a clear motivation to develop their craft.
An openness to collaboration across composition and sound design.
Availability to participate fully in all five program days.

Previous feature film experience and formal qualifications are not required. Relevant experience may include short films, television, other audiovisual projects or related composition and sound design work.

Applicants must select one track: Film Composition or Sound Design. Those practicing both disciplines should choose the area they would most like to develop through the program.

How To Apply?

Application is closed

Applications open on 12 November 2026 and close on 26 November 2026.

Complete the official online application form and submit all required materials in English.

Only complete applications submitted through the official application platform will be considered.

Submission requirements

Applicants must provide:

Completed application form: Responses covering your background, relevant experience, creative approach, collaboration, motivation and development goals.
Recent headshot: A front-facing image in JPG, JPEG, PNG or PDF format.
CV or résumé: A PDF no longer than two pages.
Work samples: Up to three links to your portfolio, showreel or previous work, with passwords where required. Include at least one example of work to picture, ideally one to three minutes long.
Work description: A short explanation of the piece you most want the selection team to review, identifying your role, the tools used and what to listen for.
Introductory video: A short video in English, no longer than two minutes, introducing yourself, your experience and why you want to join the program.
Availability and declarations: Confirmation that you can attend all five days, complete assignments, collaborate with a participant from the other track and participate in English.

Applicants must accurately identify their contribution to collaborative projects and have permission to share all submitted materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application fee?

No. Applying to the Music & Sound Program is free.

When do applications open and close?

Applications open on 12 November 2026 and close on 26 November 2026.

Can I submit more than one application?

No. Each applicant may submit one application per cycle and must select either Film Composition or Sound Design.

Can I apply to both tracks?

No. If you work in both disciplines, please choose the track you would most like to develop through the program.

Can I reapply if I was not selected previously?

Yes. Applicants are welcome to reapply in future editions.

Can I update my application after submitting?

You may edit your responses and replace uploaded files before submitting. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited, and documents cannot be added or replaced.

Eligibility and Experience

Do I need previous experience?

Yes. Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience and a developed creative practice through their application and work samples. The program is intended for professional and advanced emerging practitioners.

Do I need to have worked on a feature film?

No. Previous work may include short films, television, other audiovisual projects or relevant composition and sound design work.

Can applicants from different creative backgrounds apply?

Yes. The program welcomes diverse musical and sound backgrounds, provided applicants demonstrate relevant experience and a clear interest in cinematic storytelling.

Do I need formal musical training?

No. When outlining your background, you may describe formal education, private lessons, workshops, professional training or self-directed learning.

Is there a minimum number of years of experience?

There is no fixed minimum. Applicants should demonstrate experience and creative development appropriate to the program’s level.

Do I need to play a musical instrument?

Film Composition applicants should list the instruments they play and their level of proficiency, or indicate N/A where applicable. Instrumental proficiency is not a requirement for Sound Design applicants.

Is experience recording with live musicians or orchestras required?

No. Relevant recording experience may be included in your application, but it is not a condition of eligibility.

Is knowledge of classical music history required?

No. Selection considers your creative practice, relevant experience and suitability for the program. Knowledge of classical music is not a condition of eligibility.

Work Samples

What work samples should I submit?

Submit up to three links to your portfolio, showreel or previous work. Include at least one example of work to picture, ideally one to three minutes long, and provide passwords where needed.
Please clearly identify your contribution to collaborative projects.

Do I need to submit a SoundCloud playlist?

A SoundCloud playlist may be included as one of your work links, but it is not mandatory. Your submission must include at least one example of work to picture.

Do I need to submit an introductory video?

Yes. Applicants must submit a short introductory video in English of no more than two minutes. See the next question for what to include.

What should I include in my introductory video?

The introductory video helps the selection team get to know you beyond your written application. Please briefly cover the following:

Introduce yourself and describe your background.
Share your experience in the film industry.
Explain why you want to join the program.
Tell us what you hope to gain from the experience.

The video must be in English and must not exceed two minutes. Professional filming is not required; be yourself and speak naturally.

Online Format and Participation

When and where will the program take place?

The program will take place entirely online over five days, from 7 to 11 December 2026. Session times will be confirmed.

How much time should I set aside?

Expect approximately four to five hours of live sessions each day, plus additional time for assignments and collaboration with your partner.

Is attendance mandatory?

Yes. Participants must attend all five live program days, complete assignments, collaborate with their assigned partner and take part in the final presentation. Failure to fulfill these requirements may result in removal from the program.

What will I develop during the program?

Each composer–sound designer pair will develop an integrated soundtrack for a scene and present their creative approach for mentor feedback.

What equipment do I need?

You should have access to a computer, headphones, the software needed for your work and an internet connection reliable enough for live video sessions and collaboration.
Please indicate in the application form if you may require technical support.

Which digital audio workstations (DAWs) can I use?

No single software package is required. Applicants should indicate the tools they use in their practice.
For Film Composition, these may include Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, FL Studio or other software. For Sound Design, these may include Pro Tools, Nuendo, Reaper, Fairlight, Logic Pro or other software

Fees and Travel

Is there a participation fee?

No. Selected participants can attend free of charge.

Will travel and accommodation be covered?

The program is entirely online, so travel and accommodation are not required. Per diem allowances are not provided.

Language

In what language should I submit my application?

All application responses, supporting written documents and the introductory video must be submitted in English.

Do I need to speak English?

Yes. Your English must be sufficient to participate fully in workshops, mentoring sessions, discussions and collaborative work.

Can I attend with an interpreter?

No. Participants are expected to take part without an interpreter.

Selection Process

How are participants selected?

Applications will be reviewed based on:

Relevant experience in composition or sound design.
Artistic potential and creative vision.
The quality of the submitted work and the applicant’s contribution to it.
An understanding of music and/or sound as storytelling tools.
Motivation, collaborative approach and suitability for the program.
Availability to participate fully.

When will shortlisted applicants be contacted?

The shortlisting timeline will be announced. Dates are subject to change.

Will applicants who are not selected be notified?

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, unsuccessful applicants will not receive individual notification.

Confidentiality and Original Work

Will my submitted materials remain confidential?

Yes. Submitted materials are treated as confidential, and everyone reviewing applications signs a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Must the submitted work be my own?

Yes. Your application must accurately represent your work and abilities. For collaborative projects, clearly identify your contribution and ensure you have permission to share the materials.

Can I use AI when preparing my application?

AI may be used as a supporting tool when preparing application materials. However, the creative work, compositions and artistic content you submit must be your own, and your application must accurately represent your abilities and contribution.
Applications that rely primarily on AI-generated creative work may not be considered.

Withdrawal

Can I withdraw my application?

Yes. Email labs@redseafilmfest.com from the email address you used to apply, including your full name and, if available, your application reference.

Terms & Conditions

By submitting an application, applicants confirm that:

The information provided is accurate, and their contribution to the submitted work is clearly identified.
They have permission to share all submitted materials.
They are submitting only one application and applying to one track.
Their application responses, supporting written documents and introductory video are in English.
They understand that submitted applications cannot be edited, and documents cannot be added or replaced after submission.
If selected, they can attend all five live online days, complete assignments, collaborate with their assigned partner and participate in the final presentation.
They can participate in English without an interpreter.
They understand that failure to fulfill mandatory participation requirements may result in removal from the program.
They consent to Red Sea Labs contacting them regarding their application.

Further Information

For questions about the program or your application, please contact labs@redseafilmfest.com.

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