Netflix has teamed up with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) to launch a new initiative titled “Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life.” This program, designed to nurture female filmmaking talent, will focus on emerging creatives from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait.
As part of Netflix’s broader Fund for Creative Equity, the initiative seeks to develop the skills of up to 25 aspiring female filmmakers from the region. The participants, whether already part of the Women in Film program or newcomers, will engage in collaborative group projects, crafting short fiction films under the guidance of seasoned industry mentors. Each group will be granted a budget of $25,000 to bring their vision to life.
The program offers a comprehensive development process, beginning with virtual script consultations and pre-production planning. This will be followed by hands-on editing and post-production sessions, which will take place in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that the participants gain valuable real-world experience.
To be eligible, applicants must be women under the age of 28 who have directed no more than one short film outside of their academic studies. They are required to submit a story treatment and a draft script for a short fiction film. Teams must be comprised of a writer, director, and producer, though individual applicants for technical roles are also welcome. A jury of independent experts will select five standout projects based on their quality, with an online process available to help groups fill any necessary technical roles.
This initiative is a continuation of Netflix’s commitment to supporting Arab women filmmakers through its ‘Because She Created’ series of projects. The streaming giant, which boasts over 278 million paid subscribers across more than 190 countries, continues to diversify its content offerings, including a wide array of TV series, films, and games.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Beirut, AFAC is an independent foundation dedicated to supporting artists, writers, and cultural organizations throughout the Arab world.