The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has announced its partnership with the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) as its official sponsor for its third edition in 2023. This partnership is an extension of the Red Sea International Film Festival's commitment to supporting talent in the film sector, fostering creativity, and propelling the Saudi film industry to the global scene. It also reaffirms the Cultural Development Fund's objectives to increase the contribution of non-profit organizations to the growth and development of the Saudi film sector by diversifying the sector's incentives.

The CDF is dedicated to activating the 16 cultural sub-sectors outlined in the Kingdom’s National Culture Strategy – including film. Through this sponsorship, the Fund demonstrates its unwavering support for the Saudi film sectorand reflects its commitment to enabling the entire sector and enhancing the quality of life in Saudi Arabia; united with The Red Sea International Film Festival’s vision to propel the Kingdom as a regional film powerhouse and igniting a cultural flame within it to aid in the realization of the Kingdon’s 2030 vision.

The Cultural Development Fund’s participation in this year’s edition of the Festival extends to various activities, from having its own pavilion in the Red Sea Souk, communicating with local, regional and international filmmakers, to hosting a private lunch, where it welcomed top local and international filmmakers and companies and participating in networking sessions within the Red Sea 360 program, where the Cultural Development Fund exchanges knowledge and expertise on the needs of the Saudi film sector and fund’s financing tools andmechanisms of cooperation with other governmental and non-governmental entities to address these needs.

This strategic partnership provides the ideal platform for the Fund to connect with industry practitioners and experts, introducing them to the comprehensive financing packages it offers, including the Fund’s largest financing programs dedicated to the film sector, launched earlier this year. The festival continues to bring together some of the best works produced by Arab and international cinema, providing a platform for both filmmakers and actors to showcase their work and talents.