An exceptional artist wields a powerful voice. The only problem? Landing the opportunities to make that voice heard is easier said than done.
For up to 25 Arabic women filmmakers, that opportunity is within reach following the Netflix launch of the Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life. An initiative to provide opportunities, mentorship, and support for up-and-coming Arabic women artists in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Jordan, Bring Your Story To Life reflects Netflix’s strategic investment in non-English-language media.
"At Netflix, we are strongly committed to amplifying the voices of women in the region,” Nuha Al Tayeb, director of content for Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey at Netflix, said. “This initiative further underscores our unfettered support for authentic storytelling and developing the region’s talent pipeline. Our long-standing partnership with AFAC has uncovered a generation of promising Arab talent, and we are dedicated to ensuring that women are represented both on and off camera."
A partnership with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Bring Your Story to Life is open for female filmmakers under 28 “who have directed a maximum of one short film outside their studies,” according to The National. Successful applicants are tasked with producing a short film on a $25,000 budget. Program directors support filmmaker efforts with virtual script consultation and pre-shoot planning before shooting the film, plus in-person editing and post-production support sessions afterward.
Applicants can apply as a group that includes a writer, director, and producer, and their application must include a story treatment and draft script for a short fiction film. Alternatively, they can apply individually for technical positions like cinematographer or editor. An independent jury then selects the winning five projects, with a matchmaking service helping teams bridge the talent gaps and complete their film.
“This initiative is part of our broader commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the creative industry,” Tayeb told The National. “We believe in the power of authentic storytelling and are committed to sharing the unique voices of women from the Arab region with the world. The programme nurtures the next generation of female filmmakers, offering them resources, mentorship and a platform to achieve their first credit."
Every good movie deserves a sequel, and in fact, the Netflix/AFAC collaboration is a sequel in its own right. In 2023, the two entities worked together on Women in Film: Introduction to the Creative Process which likewise supported Arabic women in the arts. For Netflix, programs like the Women in Film series are an opportunity to nurture the next generation of artists, who likewise supply the next generation of hits.
Given the success the streaming giant found in shows like Dubai Bling, which generated 18.6 million hours of viewing time, and Honeymoonish, a romantic comedy that earned 22 million views, it’s not just welcome philanthropy — it’s also good business sense.
“AFAC has been active in supporting filmmakers and artists for the past 18 years, contributing to the production of more than 500 films. We are glad to be able to expand our support to filmmakers through this partnership with Netflix, coupling the financial support with mentorship and accompaniment, and providing a platform for learning and experimenting for emerging women filmmakers.”