Netflix is taking its mission to support fresh voices in the film industry up a notch, and this time, it’s all about Arab women filmmakers. Teaming up with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), Netflix has rolled out the “Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life” initiative—a pan-regional program designed to nurture up to 25 emerging female filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait.
This initiative goes beyond regular mentoring, offering a holistic training platform that spotlights female storytellers. Giving them the tools, guidance, and budget to bring their narratives to the screen, each project receives a $25,000 production budget.
The program is part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, which aims to diversify the industry by giving underrepresented groups, particularly women, the chance to shine. “At Netflix, we are strongly committed to amplifying the voices of women in the region,” said Nuha Al Tayeb, Director of Content for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey at Netflix. “This initiative underscores our dedication to authentic storytelling and developing the region’s talent pipeline.”
Here’s how it works: participants, both new and returning talents from Netflix’s Women in Film program, will form groups to collaborate on short films. Under the mentorship of industry veterans, these filmmakers will receive virtual consultations for script development and detailed planning before moving to the in-person stage in Saudi Arabia for editing and post-production. Essentially, they’ll be able to go from story concept to polished final cut, with plenty of expert guidance along the way.
What makes this initiative even more exciting is its inclusivity. Women under 28 who have directed no more than one short film outside of school are eligible to apply, either as part of a team or solo, seeking specific roles like cinematographer or editor. This flexibility opens doors to women at all stages of their filmmaking journeys, giving them the chance to grow in a collaborative environment.
AFAC, a key player in the Arab cultural scene for the past 18 years, is no stranger to supporting filmmakers. “We are glad to expand our support through this partnership with Netflix, coupling financial support with mentorship and providing a platform for emerging women filmmakers to learn and experiment,” said Rima Mismar, AFAC’s Executive Director.
With the collective power of Netflix and AFAC behind them, these young filmmakers have a unique opportunity to tell their stories—stories that reflect the nuances, struggles, and triumphs of Arab women in ways the world needs to see. It’s a creative exchange that’s set to elevate Arab cinema, giving it the female perspective it has long deserved.
For anyone who has been eagerly watching the rise of Arab talent on the global stage, this initiative feels like the start of something transformative. Netflix is not just pushing for diversity on screen; they’re actively creating a pipeline for it, making sure women’s voices are heard both behind and in front of the camera. And with projects like this, the future of Arab cinema is looking brighter, bolder, and undeniably female.
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