Netflix and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) are collaborating to train more female filmmakers in the Arab region as part of their effort to amplify women’s voices in the industry. Up to 25 creatives will be selected for the “Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life” programme, which aims to support emerging female filmmakers.
The selected groups, with guidance from industry mentors, will be tasked with creating a short fiction film on a budget of $25,000. The programme will offer virtual consultations on scriptwriting and pre-shoot planning, as well as in-person support in Saudi Arabia during the editing and post-production phases.
This initiative is part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, which focuses on developing female talent in the film industry across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Jordan. It follows last year’s successful “Women in Film: Introduction to the Creative Process” programme.
Nuha Eltayeb, Netflix’s director of content for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the creative industry. “We believe in the power of authentic storytelling and are committed to sharing the unique voices of women from the Arab region with the world,” she told The National. “This programme nurtures the next generation of female filmmakers, providing them with resources, mentorship, and a platform to achieve their first film credit.”
The initiative is open to women under 28 who have directed no more than one short film outside their studies. Applicants can apply as teams, with a story treatment and a draft script for a short fiction film, or individually for technical roles like cinematographer or editor. An independent jury will select five projects, with participants forming groups online to cover all technical skills.
Applications are open on the AFAC website until Sunday, with selected participants notified on October 17.
