Female filmmakers in Bahrain are being invited to submit scripts as part of a programme designed to develop their work and enhance their skills.
The programme is a continuation of last year’s Bahrain Film Festival (BFF), held under the theme ‘Women in Cinema Making’.
It featured a series of workshops and panel discussions, led by Bahraini writer and screenwriter Shaikha Suha Al Khalifa, Egyptian writer and actress Mona Zaki and Saudi writer and director Hana Al Omair, who discussed their experiences working in the industry and what they believe should change.
The fully-funded programme, being organised in partnership with BFF, HerStory Films and Bahrain Cinema Club aims to support young talent and empower female filmmakers in the kingdom to bring their ideas to life and find their place in the industry.
“Around 10 to 15 screenplay projects for short films will be developed with professionals from HerStory Films, a production company in Egypt that assists female filmmakers in the region,” Bahrain Cinema Club president Sara Albadri told the GDN.
“All selected candidates, which will be announced in February, will participate in a series of workshops that will help them improve their skills and find their voice in the industry. “Later in the programme, which starts in February, three films will reach the final stage and will be fully produced with the help of the experts and professionals.”
Ms Albadri also highlighted the need for providing opportunities to talented women in the field.
Ms Albadri
“Bahraini women are crucial in building the country’s cinematic scene,” she said, adding that the programme aims to have a collective impact for women and change the narrative on gender through films.
“Having women involved in various projects allows for different views and perceptions. It also aims to empower future generations of potential female filmmakers to create films and express themselves through this art form.” HerStory Films is a film production company founded by May Abdel Asim and Ms Zaki that aims to encourage female filmmakers in Egypt and the Arab world.
The films produced work to empower, connect and enable female filmmakers across the region to make a collective impact. Last year’s Bahrain Film Festival featured eight artistic workshops and discussion panels, aimed at empowering Arab women, spotlighting their stories in film, and reshaping prevailing stereotypes that often misrepresent Arab women’s roles and ambitions.
These sessions also presented a valuable opportunity for Bahraini youth to engage with the world of cinema, acquire technical and creative skills in cinematography, screenwriting, visual storytelling, and film production.
Female applicants interested in applying for the programme must submit their scripts that highlight women or women-related issues and stories.
The script shouldn’t be longer than 15 minutes.
The deadline for submissions is January 15. Candidates can visit @herstoryfilmsmena on Instagram or visit herstoryfilmsmena.com to apply.
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