As a passionate admirer of the arts and cinema industry, I find myself utterly captivated by the remarkable journey of Emad Eskander and the Red Sea Fund. In just five short years, this organization has not only made an indelible mark on the global film scene but has also become a beacon of hope and opportunity for emerging talents from the Arab world and Africa.
As a film enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled to witness the birth of The Red Sea Fund in 2019, an essential financing branch of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation. This innovative venture has been dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and established filmmakers hailing from the Arab world and Africa for the past five years. In this short span, it has provided financial support to over 230 films originating from more than 40 countries, among which are Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated “Four Daughters” and Saudi blockbuster hit “Mandoob.” Remarkably, other films financed by this fund have graced the screens at some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Toronto.
We’re absolutely astonished! In such a brief span, we’ve accomplished so much,” Emad Eskander, head of the Red Sea Fund, shared with EbMaster. “When I took on this role in 2021, I penned down one of the least inspiring visions conceivable. I had stated that by 2027, we should have some sort of presence at the Oscars. Incredibly, seven of our films made it to the shortlist for best international film this year, with ‘Four Daughters’ even earning a nomination.
Eskander was firm about the importance of having filmmakers as part of the selection committee, a tactic he feels has significantly benefited the fund. As he puts it, “This approach makes us an emotionally engaged team and one that appreciates the significance of our decisions.” We meticulously examine each project, delving into every detail together.
As a passionate advocate, I’d like to clarify my perspective on this esteemed committee’s grant selection process. They award grants ranging from $25,000 to development projects, all the way up to $500,000 for projects in production. Among the projects that catch my eye, it’s genre films and those with a wider appeal that truly stand out. I aim to dispel the notion that this fund is solely dedicated to arthouse films. Rather, it supports quality movies and compelling narratives, regardless of whether they fall under the arthouse or commercial genre.
Asmae El Moudir, winner of the 2023 Un Certain Regard best director award for “The Mother of All Lies,” supported by the Red Sea Fund, expressed that collaborating with a fund focusing on the Middle East and North Africa fosters a feeling of ownership and empowers filmmakers. This partnership also provides a more nuanced grasp of cultural context and the stories to be shared, which is vital for films like hers.
Prior to the establishment of the Red Sea Fund, filmmakers in this region frequently sought assistance from established organizations such as the Doha Film Institute, AFAC, and Atlas Workshop. International collaborations or grants were also common avenues they pursued. The arrival of a regional fund like the Red Sea Film Fund provides a more tailored approach that has a keen understanding of the cultural and narrative nuances inherent in our films.
Many other leaders in the industry are swift to acknowledge the impact that a substantial fund like the Red Sea’s has on our region. Ahmed Shawky, who heads Egypt’s CineGouna Funding and is part of the Red Sea Fund committee, expressed his belief that the fund significantly contributed to the surge in project submissions he received at Gouna this year.
Having the Red Sea Fund as part of the collaboration process has been a valuable asset in our region. It’s a generous fund that’s significantly supported numerous quality Arab films over the past three years. I believe we’re all vying for success to some extent, but primarily, we’re cooperating, aiding one another, and giving a boost to various projects.
Having reached the Oscars ahead of schedule, Eskander’s ambition with the Red Sea Fund remains to portray a Saudi romance and share it globally. He expresses his desire for people everywhere to witness that Saudis experience love as well. Furthermore, he mentions plans for themed funding cycles in the upcoming period. Emphasizing the shared humanity between all people, Eskander wishes for the films produced by the fund to delve into various aspects of life.
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2024-11-17 20:16