The Red Sea Souk is one of the opportunistic moments of the Red Sea IFF. No doubt, because of its particular character in the sense that it opens the doors to the possibilities of carrying out cinematographic projects, in the diversity of perspectives.
The Red Sea IFF Souk Program is one of the essentials of this prestigious moment of the seventh art. Rich in meetings, it can be seen as the "visual incubator" for numerous projects from emerging talents and others already confirmed, belonging to Asia, Africa and the MENA region. Meetings with manufacturers, networking sessions, days dedicated to young talents, constitute, among other things, the main points.
During this Red Sea Souk Market scheduled to take place from December 2 to 5, 2023, all details relating to the selected projects will be delivered. Which would highlight the diversity of talents, as well as the creative audacity of "the new industrial production" of the region. Thus, this rich Program will include what is called "360° industry events, and a networking session with the aim of encouraging international delegates "to share their ideas and experiences during exclusive forums". The Talent Days will conclude this session at the Red Sea Souk on December 6 and 7 with networking meetings between new regional talents, short film directors and film industry experts.
In the words of Shivani Pandya Malhotra, the Managing Director, "the Red Sea Souk market is "an essential platform for introducing new stories to an international audience". Thus, opportunities will be available to those who come from begin their career - 26 selected, in total. The significant financial contribution of the partners remains, according to him, the guarantee of a certain and promising future for cinematographic creation.
As for the market, it concerns dozens of projects developed throughout the year through intensive workshops; this, in partnership with the Torino Film Lab. Four of them will each receive an annual Red Sea Lodge prize of $50,000 for the production.
The Red Sea Fund, in its project support policy, will award three cash prizes, following the deliberations of an international jury of producers: $35,000 for development; $25,000 for special mention and $100,000 for production.
These same projects selected for the Red Sea Souk can also claim additional prizes "funded by sponsors and partners".
In the series of its activities, the Red Sea Souk also initiates workshops, panels and sessions with the aim of creating a connection between the Souk public and international cinema professionals. Called "The Red Sea 360°", it is designed as a platform capable of offering up to 15 inspiring conversations to provide insight into the present and future of the Arab, African and Asian film industries, "including their profound impact on the global entertainment landscape.
Speakers include Karim Zreik, described as an entertainment industry veteran; Woo-Sik Seo, producer at Barunson C&C, South Korea.
Three networking sessions will take place to connect festival participants and filmmakers to a large audience of professionals through structured or informal speed meetings. As for Talent Days, it will be held in the form of workshops, always connecting new international Saudi talents and professionals from the global film industry. We could cite the Tribeca Film Festival, Doha Film Institute, the Venice Biennale. Meetings that will take place in the mode of mentoring.
Bassirou NIANG
