Streaming giant Netflix has partnered with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture to launch the third edition of its regional Women in Film programme aimed at supporting emerging Arab women filmmakers.
Announced on May 18, the initiative will offer training and development opportunities to 35 participants from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait. The programme, titled Women in Film III: Training Through Practice, seeks to strengthen women’s representation in the Arab film industry and support the region’s growing creative ecosystem.
The latest edition introduces two separate tracks. One track will focus on writers, directors and producers, helping them develop and package their film projects through mentorship. The second track will cater to technical roles such as cinematographers, editors and sound designers, offering hands-on practical training and collaborative experience.
Participants in both tracks will attend workshops, online mentorship sessions and a week-long in-person residency where they will refine projects, collaborate with peers and present their work to industry professionals.
Pelin Mavili, Director of Global Affairs at Netflix for Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, said: “This program is essential to building a more sustainable and inclusive film industry in the region. Our ongoing partnership with AFAC has been instrumental in supporting both creative and technical talent, helping to strengthen the full ecosystem behind storytelling and nurture a new generation of emerging filmmakers. Each edition builds on the success of the last, with participants gaining hands-on experience and going on to take active roles within the region’s creative landscape. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for women to be represented across every stage of the filmmaking process.”
Rima Mismar, Executive Director of AFAC, said: “At AFAC, we believe that stories from the Arab world are essential to how we understand ourselves and how we are seen by others. They carry the depth, complexity, and lived realities of our region, and deserve to be told on our own terms. Building on the previous edition’s focus on developing authentic voices, Training Through Practice creates the conditions for these stories to move from idea to execution, equipping women filmmakers with the tools, confidence, and collaborative space to bring their visions to life.”
Applications for the programme are open until July 17, while selected participants will be announced by the end of August.
The initiative is part of Netflix’s broader efforts to support diverse voices and expand opportunities for women in film across the Arab world through mentorship, training and creative development. Previous editions included workshops in Cairo, Dubai and Jeddah, followed by visits to Netflix’s production hub in Madrid. Participants from the second edition also premiered their short films at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2025.
