Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service, in partnership with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), has launched a training program for emerging female talent and introduces the creative filmmaking process and the different roles that they can play behind the camera.
The ‘Women in Cinema’: Introduction to the Creative Process program is designed for young women filmmakers graduating from film studies and interested in film who live in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
45 women will be selected to take part in the program, designed as a series of workshops. Participants will be introduced to scriptwriting and the creative process of filmmaking by established female filmmakers from the Arab region, helping to develop the talent pipeline and introduce storytelling as a viable career option for the next generation of Arab women.
Beginning in November, with three days of workshops in Cairo, Dubai, and Jeddah. As part of the program, all participants will also be provided with the unique opportunity to visit Netflix’s production hub in Europe early next year.
Nuha el Tayeb Director, Content Acquisitions Netflix Middle East, Africa & Turkey
“At Netflix, we are passionate about amplifying women’s voices behind the camera. That includes a commitment to authentic storytelling which is intrinsically linked to developing the region’s talent pipeline. AFAC has been a long-standing partner and has done some incredible work for underrepresented voices. Through this partnership, we are discovering a wealth of promising Arab talent and working to ensure that women are represented both on and off camera.”
Founded in 2007 by Arab cultural activists, the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) is an independent foundation supporting artists, writers, researchers, and organizations in the Arab region.
Mr. Rima Mismar, Executive Director at AFAC, said that “Throughout our 16 years in operation, we have been committed to supporting bold creative voices of women and men artists, who are trying to push boundaries and challenge status-quos. In film specifically, 44 percent of supported films to date are by women filmmakers. Through this renewed partnership with Netflix, we build on that commitment, extending our technical support to emerging women talents and allowing for a deeper understanding of the inequities and inequalities that women are subjected to in the film industry.”
Who can apply?
The initiative is open to women candidates between the ages of 21-27 residing in five Arab countries – UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait.
Applications for the program will open on the AFAC websiteon the 17th of August.
The deadline for submission is 8th of September.
An external jury will review applications and successful candidates will be notified on 17th of October.
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