June 29th, 2020, Jeddah , Saudi Arabia  37 Saudi and Saudi-based filmmakers supported by the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation | Community Relief Fund. Hardship grants totalling 93,100 SAR handed out to aid filmmakers adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and suffering from financial difficulty.  

Launched on March 17th, in response to COVID-19 and the precautionary measures taken in the cultural sector, the 200,000 SAR Red Sea Film Festival Foundation | Community Relief Fund aids freelance Saudi filmmakers sustaining a financial loss resulting from cancelled/postponed gigs or lost opportunity during the ongoing pandemic.  

Thus far, Community Relief Fund recipients have awarded grants to 12 above-the-line filmmakers, and 25 below-the-line film industry workers. The split has been 70% males and 30% females. 

The total amount available from the fund to help filmmakers is 200,000 SAR.  

Filmmakers in difficulty can still apply to the fund by submitting applications on the festival’s website and are encouraged to do so. https://www.redseafilmfest.com/community-fund