SAFAR Arab Film Development Workshop

In collaboration with the SAFAR Film Festival, the only festival dedicated to showcasing cinema from across the Arab world in the UK, Palestinian filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky will lead a free two-day project development workshop on 30 and 31 October 2021 for up to 6 filmmakers. Applicants must apply with a film idea in mind, but it can be anything from an initial outline on paper to an early script. You don’t need to have a fully developed idea, you just need the enthusiasm and openness to work with others on developing your story.

The workshop is free for all participants, and the cost of lunch plus £10 towards travel each day will be provided.

Eligibility: Early-career Arab filmmakers or filmmakers working on a project connected to or inspired by the Arab world. We define an early-career filmmaker as anyone from a complete beginner working on their first film, to someone who has made any number of short films but no more than one feature-length film. The workshops are being planned to take place physically at the Arab British Centre in Gough Square, central London, so for the moment only applicants based in the UK (or who can be present in the UK during the workshop) are eligible.

What you get: During the two-day workshop, we’ll discuss each project in detail and develop the film’s narrative, possibilities for funding, and explore options for distribution. The sessions will be intensive, collaborative, and confidential, so you’ll need a willingness to share ideas and foster a supportive environment. Selected filmmakers will also benefit from further opportunities as part of the SAFAR Arab Film Network, for example masterclasses with other filmmakers and networking opportunities.