Film AlUla, the film agency under The Royal Commission for AlUla, has exciting news about its latest collaboration. It has partnered with renowned production company Vertigo Films and acclaimed Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour to launch the AlUla Creates short film competition.
The initiative's main objective is to provide a strong platform for Saudi women directors in the global film marketplace. By securing the support of successful figures like Haifaa Al-Mansour, the AlUla Creates program aims to foster creativity and empowerment for the future generations of Saudi Arabia.
Charlene Deleon-Jones, executive director at Film AlUla, expressed delight in welcoming Vertigo Films as a partner for the film phase of the program. The expertise and knowledge these partners contribute are essential for fostering the upcoming generation of Saudi women filmmakers.
AlUla Creates serves as a community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering Saudi Arabia's youth through film, arts, and fashion.
Having completed the second phase concentrated on the fashion component of the film business, the upcoming filmmaking mentor program would encourage and raise young female Saudi talent by providing them with the required resources and direction.
Jane Moore, CEO at Vertigo Films, enthusiastically endorses Film AlUla Creates Program. She sees it as a genuine chance to promote Saudi female filmmakers worldwide, fostering their professional development and creative identities.
The competition is open to Saudi women directors of all experience levels, with submissions evaluated by an expert panel, including Al-Mansour, Holmes, and representatives from Vertigo Films and Film AlUla.
The three winning directors will get a $20,000 production grant, three months of coaching and instruction from Al-Mansour and Holmes, as well as production support from Vertigo Films to film in the AlUla UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additionally, the selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to visit London to learn about the international marketplace, meet with key industry players, and receive support in submitting their films to local and international festivals.
Haifaa Al-Mansour expressed her honor at being part of this initiative and highlighted the significant progress made by the Saudi film industry in supporting a new generation of filmmakers. She believes that films from Saudi Arabia have the power to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The program's first phase, launched in March, featured a partnership with the British Fashion Council, Saudi actor Mila Al-Zahrani, Kloss Films founder Alec Maxwell, and fashion icons Helena Christensen and Eva Herzigova as ambassadors, supporting the platform's long-term mission.
This initiative aligns with Film AlUla's strategy to boost the Saudi Arabian film sector by nurturing local talent while contributing to the socio-economic development of the AlUla region.
