The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced "Raseef 17" and "Anis Al-Rouh" as the winners of its sixth 48-Hour Film Challenge, with a special jury mention awarded to the short film "On My Behalf." The announcement came during an official screening and awards ceremony held on September 17 in Jeddah, where a jury evaluated 13 completed films selected from 127 submissions by emerging Saudi filmmakers.
The judging panel included French director and screenwriter Houda Benyamina, as well as Saudi actors and producers Sohayb Godus and Khairia Abu Laban. Abu Laban highlighted the high quality of the entries, noting the impressive direction, writing, cinematography, and musical choices showcased by the participants. She also praised the filmmakers for stepping outside their comfort zones, with many directing for the first time.
"Anis Al-Rouh," directed by 27-year-old Saudi filmmaker Shima Sorour, drew inspiration from a personal connection—her nephew Hammoudi, who portrayed himself in the film based on their family story. Sorour described the challenges of preparing Hammoudi for the production and emphasized how closely the film mirrors their real-life experiences. She began developing the concept prior to the competition, focusing on scriptwriting and visual planning to maximize the limited 48-hour production timeframe.
Sorour, a recent graduate of King Abdulaziz University in 2023, returned to filmmaking with this project after a three-year hiatus during which she cared for her ill mother. She previously won best documentary at her university’s inaugural film festival. Sorour reflected on the film as a deeply personal endeavor, as Hammoudi was her late mother’s first grandchild, and their close relationship is central to the story.
The challenge, organized in collaboration with Alliance Française and the French Consulate General in Jeddah, offers emerging filmmakers an intensive experience encompassing concept development, screenwriting, filming, editing, and final delivery. The two winning teams received trophies, with each team leader earning a spot in an international residency program in France slated for 2027.
Mohammed Nehad, the French Consul General in Jeddah, remarked on the growing prominence of the challenge, noting increased participation and the rising professionalism of the works submitted. He said this edition demonstrated marked progress and growing interest within the local filmmaking community.
The 13 films featured a creative requirement to integrate an umbrella naturally into the storyline, adding a distinctive element that engaged audiences during the screening. All entries will be showcased at the upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival, further highlighting the burgeoning talent in Saudi Arabia’s film sector.