TikTok to Sponsor Short Film Competition, Host Red Sea Souk Workshop at Fourth Edition of Festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) announced that TikTok is coming on board as an official sponsor of the festival’s fourth edition, running in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 5th – 14th.
TikTok, the world’s leading entertainment platform where over 1 billion users around the world come to be entertained and inspired, will be sponsoring a new short film competition offering creatives, entertainment enthusiasts and industry insiders around the world an opportunity to express themselves, connect with a global community and share stories behind-the-scenes. Participants will be given the chance to submit their original short film in TikTok’s signature vertical format, using the hashtags #RedSeaIFF24 and #TheNewHomeOfFilm.
From 5th to 20th November 2024, TikTok and RSIFF are inviting creators to take part in a competition that brings together creatives from across the region. Three finalists will be selected to produce their short films, with the Gold winner of the competition being awarded at the RSIFF’s Red Sea Souk Awards on 10th December. The competition has already launched, and submissions will be accepted until 20th November.
Showcasing how the world of cinema fully unfolds on TikTok and offering creatives around the world an innovative new way to approach storytelling through an easy-to-use short-form vertical video that encourages and unleashes their creativity, TikTok positively influences the entertainment and film industry as it continues to evolve.
Beyond the competition and during the festival, TikTok will also offer a range of activities on the ground at the festival, including presenting an official live stream of the RSIFF’s glittering Opening and Closing ceremonies, sharing exclusive interviews with industry leaders, actors and filmmakers and hosting a workshop at the Festival’s industry hub, the Red Sea Souk. Talent from across the entertainment industry who have created their platform on TikTok will also be attending the festival this year.
TikTok will additionally be hosting a workshop on the ground at the Red Sea Souk, the Festival’s industry hub and the premier film industry event in the MENA region. The workshop will include essential topics such as the affinity of the TikTok community with the entertainment and film industry, and key trends and programs to watch. Attendees will also gain insights into content strategy through the Level Up approach, learn how to define high-quality content, and optimise their use of TikTok’s features and tools. The session will conclude with an inspiring segment highlighting notable creators and content ideas to watch out for.
Samaher Mously, Director of Marketing and Communication at the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “One of our key missions at RSIFF is to increase the platform of films from the Arab, African and Asian regions, and with their truly global user base and commitments to diversifying the ways in which films of all forms are viewed and shared, TikTok is the perfect partner to continue to expand our festival to new audiences from around the world. From the red carpets to the Red Sea Souk, we’re looking forward to collaborating with such a giant in the entertainment industry across the Festival this year.”
“As a platform that champions creativity and the power of storytelling, we are thrilled to partner with the Red Sea International Film Festival to celebrate and elevate filmmakers from around the world,” said Kinda Ibrahim, Regional General Manager of Operations at TikTok Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan, Central and South Asia. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to supporting filmmakers, content creators, and industry professionals by providing new ways to share their stories and connect with audiences worldwide. From live-streaming key festival moments to hosting engaging workshops and the short film competition, we look forward to showcasing how TikTok continues to influence and inspire the entertainment industry on a global scale.”