RED SEA FEATURE FILMS PROGRAM
The Red Sea Feature Films Program (formerly called The Lodge) is a 10-month intensive creative and professional training programme run by Red Sea Labs, a division of the Red Sea Film Foundation in Saudi Arabia. Run in partnership with TorinoFilmLab (Italy), it takes selected filmmaker teams from early concept all the way through to a market-ready film pitch. Founded in 2020, it entered its 7th edition in 2025. Since 2023, African filmmakers are explicitly included. The programme culminates at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah with a pitch to distributors, financiers, and producers — with a prize pool of up to USD 200,000.
Deadline
NEXT CYCLE: opens approximately August 2026. African/Arab/Asian projects: deadline approximately September–December 2026.
Cost
FREE — No application fee
Format
Feature films (fiction and documentary). Focused on writers and directors developing their first or second feature.
Eligibility
Teams of director and producer. Director must be of Saudi, Arab, African, or Asian nationality or origin. First or second-time feature directors preferred. English proficiency required.
What You Get
Six immersive workshops over 10 months. Script development with internationally acclaimed tutors. A tailored producer coaching track. Pitching to international distributors and funders at the Red Sea Souk. A share of up to USD 200,000 in cash prizes for the best projects.
What to Submit
Project application including script or treatment, director and producer bios, previous work sample. Full details on the official website.
Insider Tips
Zimbabwean filmmaker Naishe Nyamubaya (Sundance 2026 fellow) is among African alumni of the programme. Projects from Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and other African countries have been selected in every year since 2023. The Red Sea Labs and TorinoFilmLab share tutors and networks — projects that pass through this programme are well positioned for TFL's Co-Production Fund (entry 12).
Set a reminder for August 2026 to check when applications open for the next cycle. GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICAN FILM & SERIES MAKERS | 2025/2026 EDITION | Updated March 2026 Compiled March 2026 directed by Cati Weinek with Fab Claude.. Always verify deadlines and eligibility on official programme websites before applying.
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
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