WOMEN IN FILM III: Training Through Practice
A training and mentorship program for emerging Arab women filmmakers in select Middle Eastern countries, offering hands-on development in writing, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, and sound design.
Funder: Arab Fund for Arts and Culture
Due Dates: July 17, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per short film project; training, mentorship, and workshops included; project duration ~7 months.
Summary: Training and mentorship program for emerging Arab women filmmakers in the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt, focused on hands-on skill development in filmmaking roles.
Key Information: Open to early-career Arab women filmmakers and technical crew (ages 23–30); not open to those with a current AFAC grant or significant prior credits.
Description
This initiative, a collaboration between the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) and Netflix, supports emerging Arab women filmmakers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt. The program is designed to advance the careers of early-career filmmakers by providing mentorship, practical training, and capacity-building opportunities across key filmmaking departments.
There are two main tracks:
- Writers-Directors & Producers: Focused on script development, production skills, and project packaging, including weekly online sessions and a five-day in-person workshop.
- Cinematographers, Editors, & Sound Designers: Offers technical training and hands-on experience tailored to each discipline, also through weekly online sessions and a five-day in-person technical workshop.
Participants will engage in collaborative, real-world learning environments, culminating in a residency and project presentations.
