The first Netflix training program aimed at introducing Arab women to the film business has been praised as “truly inspiring” as the summit concludes.
The streaming platform collaborated with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture on the scheme to encourage female filmmakers.
The group of 37 finished with a trip to the Spanish city following three-day workshops in Dubai, Jeddah and Cairo that took place in November. It aims to introduce aspiring talents to practices such as scriptwriting and filmmaking by established female directors.
In the final leg, participants visited Netflix’s content hub in Tres Cantos and widened their network. They also took part in talks with Casa Arabe, as well as Spanish government departments and film bodies.
The program was a great experience not only for the quality of information being taught, but also for meeting influential women from different areas in this industry and providing an interactive and fun experience. Seeing the drive and initiative by Netflix and AFAC to provide opportunities for great stories by talented women all over the world is truly inspiring.”, said Maha Hani, one of the participating women from Saudi Arabia.
“As we embark on our 17th year of operations, we continue our active commitment to break stereotypes and champion women’s voices across the Arab region, creating avenues for the production of bold works that spark societal change in the longer-term. In filmmaking more particularly, we are extremely pleased with this renewed partnership with Netflix, through which we can build on this commitment and instill technical capacities in young women talents of the region”, stated Rima Mismar, Executive Director of the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture – AFAC.
Netflix has been investing in knowledge transfer and building the talent pipeline in the region through content on the service, financial grants and upskilling initiatives, providing both new and established voices a platform to break through in the industry.
Netflix is a long-term partner to the creative community, focusing on talent development and skills building to support the industry and help grow the next generation of talent. In the region, it is investing heavily in building new pathways for underrepresented communities within the entertainment industry and working with industry partners to provide creators with the tools they need to tell the best version of their stories
