The Red Sea Film Foundation has officially launched its 2025 edition of the rising talents program, Voices of Tomorrow, a youth-focused initiative designed to empower Saudi filmmakers aged 10 to 16.
This youth program will offers young creatives a platform to tell their stories through short films that will be screened during the festival.
The new 'Voices of Tomorrow' program will be part of the upcoming Red Sea International Film Festival, which is scheduled to run from December 4 to 13, 2025, in Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district. The official theme for the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 is "Your Story, Your Festival." This theme celebrates the power of personal storytelling and positions the festival as a platform for diverse voices from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa, and Asia to share their cinematic journeys.
What is the Rising Talents program?
Participants in the Voices of Tomorrow program will receive mentorship and exposure to a professional filmmaking environment.
For a select number of participants, their short films will be showcased on screen on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in front of an audience that includes fellow filmmakers, families, and festival guests. The new youth program will culminate in an awards ceremony on Wednesday, December 10, where two standout films created by the young film-makers will be honoured with cash prizes and jury recognition.
Notably, the jury itself will be composed of young cinema enthusiasts, reinforcing the program’s youth-led spirit.
The Details
Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, emphasised that the initiative is a direct investment in the next generation of Saudi creatives. “We believe in the power of young voices to shape the future of cinema,” he said, noting that the program aligns with the foundation’s broader mission to nurture local talent and expand opportunities for artistic expression.
By offering early access to the world of filmmaking, this youth-led film and creative program not only celebrates youth creativity but also contributes to the Kingdom’s growing cultural landscape — one story at a time.
The Themes & Creative
All submissions must focus on one of four themes that capture everyday life for young people in Saudi Arabia. Designed to spark meaningful conversations, these themes invite participants to express themselves through personal storytelling and cultural reflection, offering a creative space to explore identity through film.
- Homeland
- School
- Family
- Friendship
About the Particpants
While applications for the Rising Talents program officially closed in August, all entrants were required to meet specific eligibility criteria. Each participant had to be between the ages of 10 and 16, reside in Saudi Arabia, and submit a short film based on one of four designated themes: Homeland, School, Family, or Friendship.
Could these young film makers be the future of Saudi's film industry? Only time will tell!
Red Sea Film Festival, from December 4 – 13, 2025
Voices of Tomorrow Program: Screenings on December 9, and Awards Ceremony on December 10, 2025
Al Balad, Jeddah
@redseafilm
redseafilmfest.com
