My First Red Sea Film Festival: A Journey Beyond Expectations

BY RAGHIDA ISMAIL

This year, I attended the Red Sea Film Festival for the very first time, and it was an experience that exceeded every expectation. Before travelling, I reached out to industry experts from Shorts2Features and several supportive producers for guidance. 

Arriving in Jeddah: First Impressions

It was also my first time in Saudi Arabia. From the moment I arrived in Jeddah, I felt genuinely welcomed. The people, the atmosphere, the effortless glamour, it all felt magical. Walking into the venue to pick up my badge, I instantly realised I was about to step into a world of opportunity.

At first, I wasn’t sure how to navigate everything. The program was full, my meetings were scheduled back-to-back, and the festival grounds were buzzing with creatives from every corner of the world. But the moment I stepped in, everything unfolded naturally.

The Red Carpet Moment I Never Expected

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my trip happened completely unexpectedly.

I was invited to attend a premiere by a Saudi-based production company that had shown interest in my projects. They were incredibly kind and insisted that I join them for the screening. And suddenly, there I was, walking towards the red carpet.

As soon as I stepped onto it, photographers started capturing photos of me from every direction. Flash after flash, angle after angle. For a moment, I froze. I never imagined I would experience something like this before even receiving any global award or recognition. Yet here I was, seen, celebrated, and confidently standing in the spotlight.

Ladies, always pack a glamorous dress, just in case. You never know when you’ll be invited to a red carpet.

That moment reminded me of how far I’ve come and how much further I still want to go.

Panels, Conversations & Inspiration

Whenever I wasn’t in a meeting, I immersed myself in the festival’s in-conversations with global talent. I was lucky enough to attend sessions with:

● Nina Dobrev

● Jessica Alba

● Adrien Brody

Hearing these artists speak about their journeys, challenges, and creative philosophies was incredibly inspiring.

I also attended Souk Talks panels and Platforms in the Spotlight, featuring Disney+, Shahid, and TikTok, each offering insights into the evolving landscape of storytelling and distribution in the MENA region.

Meetings, Pitches & New Doors Opening

I met with many production companies throughout the festival. I pitched my projects, discussed potential collaborations, and connected with people who genuinely understood and appreciated my vision. Many showed real interest, and the follow-up phase after the festival is the crucial next step. But regardless of what unfolds, building these relationships is already a significant achievement.

One of the unique strengths of the Red Sea Film Festival is its development platform. Every year between May and July, filmmakers can submit their projects. If selected, they pitch directly at the festival, and some projects receive full funding. It’s one of the few festivals where emerging voices are given real, tangible opportunity.

The UK Connection: Why Red Sea Matters for British Filmmakers

One thing that truly stood out to me at the Red Sea Film Festival was the strong UK presenceacross both the market and the creative programmes. For anyone working in the UK industry, this festival is not just a Middle Eastern event, it’s becoming a major international hub where British filmmakers, producers, and companies are forming real partnerships with the region.

1. UK–MENA Co-Productions Are Expanding

Many British companies attend the Red Sea Souk specifically to explore co-productions in the Gulf, North Africa, and the wider Arab world. Some look for Arabic-only content, while others actively seek bilingual or fully English-language projects, especially those with cross-cultural appeal.

2. Strong Advantages for UK Projects With Arab Partners

All projects are welcome at Red Sea, whether they’re from the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, or the US. However, here’s the reality:

● If your project has no connection to the Arab world, or

● If you don’t have an Arab producer or creative partner attached, the competition is significantly higher.

Having an Arab producer, co-writer, or creative collaborator is not mandatory, but it is a powerful advantage. It shows cultural authenticity, strengthens the story’s regional perspective, and aligns with the festival’s mission to support both local voices and international collaborations.

For UK filmmakers interested in the MENA region, or even globally themed stories, partnering with Arab talent can make your pitch far more compelling in this market.

3. British Talent & Executives Are Highly Present

Throughout the festival, I met:

● UK producers looking for regional stories

● Executives exploring new markets

● Programmers, festival strategists, and buyers

● British filmmakers showcasing their work

The conversations were meaningful, strategic, and full of curiosity about UK–MENA collaboration.

4. Saudi Arabia’s Rapid Industry Growth Is Opening Doors for the UK

Saudi Arabia’s film sector is expanding fast, with new funding, infrastructure, and demand for international partnerships. The UK, with its strong filmmaking heritage and established creative systems, is seen as a natural partner.

This makes the Red Sea Festival a gateway to long-term collaboration between the two industries.

5. Practical Benefits for UK Filmmakers

● You can pitch projects at the Souk if selected (submissions open May–July).

● Some selected projects receive full financing through Red Sea Labs and the Souk.

● Networking here is more accessible than at European markets like Cannes or Berlin.

● You meet buyers and producers from both Western markets and the Middle East, which is rare in one space.

👉🏼 💰 How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Red Sea Film Festival? (A Practical Guide for UK Filmmakers - and what everyone wants to know)

So here is a transparent breakdown of my own experience, which should help anyone budgeting their trip from the UK.

1. Accreditation Costs

The festival offers different types of accreditation depending on your purpose. I registered for the Pro Accreditation, which gives you:

● Access to the Red Sea Souk (industry market)

● Entry to talks, panels, and industry events

● 4 free tickets per day to films, screenings, panels, and in-conversations

● Networking spaces and access to industry professionals

Cost £110 (and it can be even cheaper if you register early)

You can attend the festival simply as a general visitor, which costs less, but you will not have access to the industry hub or the high-end networking opportunities. If you’re serious about pitching, producing, or building connections, the Pro badge is absolutely worth it.

2. Accommodation

The festival recommends certain hotels, but they are very expensive.

Avoid the official festival hotels if you’re on a budget. They are mostly luxury properties.

Instead, you can stay in hotels 10–15 minutes away by car, which offer great quality, comfortable rooms, and reasonable prices.

3. Food & Transportation

Food and transportation in Jeddah are not cheap, but still significantly cheaper than London.

4. Total Cost of My Trip

All together, my full trip including flight, accommodation, food, transportation, accreditation…cost me approximately around £1200 for 7 days.

Advice for First-Time Attendees

If you’re planning to attend the Red Sea Film Festival for the first time, here are some practical tips I learned along the way:

1. Do Your Research in Advance

Know who’s attending, what companies are relevant to your work, and what projects they look for. Study the program early to map out panels, talks, screenings, and networking events.

2. Book Meetings Before You Arrive

The Souk schedule fills up fast. Having pre-booked meetings gives you structure and purpose from day one. And people appreciate that you reached out early.

3. Have a Strong Pitch Ready

You may pitch in meeting rooms, lounges, coffee lines, or even at dinner tables. Confidence is everything.

4. Stay for the Entire Festival, If You Can

Opportunities unfold daily. New people arrive every two days, conversations evolve, and the energy builds. Being present until the end gives you the full experience.

5. Dress for Possibility

Red carpets, premieres, gala screenings, they happen unexpectedly. Bring at least one elegant outfit because you will be photographed more than you think.

6. Follow Up After the Festival

The real work happens afterward. Send your materials, keep the conversation warm, and nurture the connections.

7. Enjoy the Experience

Don’t underestimate the beauty of simply being there. The festival is glamorous, international, and incredibly inspiring. Let it fuel your journey.

Gratitude: The People Who Lifted Me Up

This journey would not have been the same without the people who supported me along the way.

● Myrto Makrides — thank you for practising

my pitches and giving me honest, sharp advice that truly made an impact.

● Angel Constantinou — thank you for sharing your Cannes experience and reminding me how essential confidence is.

● Shorts2Features — thank you for creating a community where creatives support and uplift each other. Having this network changed everything.

Final Thoughts

The Red Sea Film Festival is more than a film event—it’s a global hub for creativity, connection, and possibility. For me, it was a milestone, a confidence boost, and a reminder of why I love this industry. I left Jeddah with new insights, new collaborators, and an unshakable belief in the stories I want to tell.

And this is only the beginning.