Netflix, in partnership with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), has launched a new initiative aimed squarely at the heart of storytelling, with a focus on nurturing the next wave of Arab women filmmakers. Aptly titled “Women In Film—Bring Your Story to Life,” this initiative seeks to empower up to 25 emerging female talents from across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories are told.
In a world where the power dynamics of storytelling are often skewed, this pan-regional initiative is a bold statement that the stories of Arab women matter– that their perspectives are not just valuable but essential. The initiative invites both participants of the existing Women in Film program and new talent to collaborate on a group project under the watchful eye of seasoned industry mentors. Each group will develop a short fiction film, armed with a $25,000 budget and the unwavering support of Netflix and AFAC.
The program is meticulously designed to guide these emerging filmmakers through every step of the creative process. Script virtual consultations and pre-shoot planning sessions provide the foundation, while in-person editing and post-production support in Saudi Arabia ensure that the final product is polished and professional. It’s a holistic approach that goes beyond mere education but crafting a finished product that can stand on its own.
Nuha Al Tayeb, Netflix’s Director of Content for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, put it succinctly: “At Netflix, we are strongly committed to amplifying the voices of women in the region. This initiative further underscores our unfettered support for authentic storytelling and developing the region’s talent pipeline.”
Rima Mismar, the Executive Director of AFAC, echoed this sentiment: “AFAC has been active in supporting filmmakers and artists for the past 18 years, contributing to the production of more than 500 films. We are glad to be able to expand our support to filmmakers through this partnership with Netflix.”
For nearly two decades, AFAC has been at the forefront of fostering artistic talent in the Arab world, and this collaboration with Netflix is another feather in its cap—a new chapter in a long history of cultural support.
The initiative offers young female filmmakers—those under 28 who have directed no more than one short film outside of their studies—the chance to not only showcase their unique voices but to refine and elevate them. Applicants must come prepared with a story treatment and draft script for a short fiction film, and teams must consist of a writer, director, and producer. For those looking to contribute in other ways, there are also opportunities to apply individually for technical positions such as cinematographer or editor.
An independent jury will select five projects based on quality, ensuring that the best and brightest ideas are brought to life. For those projects that are not yet fully formed, an online matchmaking process will help filmmakers find the technical talent they need to complete their teams.
