Art Jameel launches Creative Lab Film Academy to nurture Saudi filmmakers with iPhone and Mac

Art Jameel has launched the Creative Lab Film Academy in Saudi Arabia, a six-month intensive program designed to nurture emerging filmmakers across the Kingdom. According to Art Jameel's announcement, participants will capture their short films on iPhone and edit them on Mac, supported by Apple's Today at Apple program. Applications are now open until February 15, 2026.

What the Creative Lab Film Academy offers

The program will select three fiction short film projects through an open call, with director-producer duos encouraged to apply. Each selected team gets access to industry mentorship, hands-on learning, and creative tools powered by iPhone and Mac technology.

The six-month journey combines Today at Apple sessions, masterclasses, and one-to-one guidance from renowned filmmakers and creatives. Workshops will be held at Hayy Cinema in Jeddah — Saudi Arabia's first independent audio-visual centre — with additional training delivered on-location where crews will be shooting their original stories.

Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, said: "We are delighted to deliver the Creative Lab Film Academy, an intensive academy-style programme that privileges storytelling as much as it does the latest technology. By working with early- and mid-career filmmakers across Saudi Arabia, the initiative reflects Art Jameel's ongoing commitment to supporting artists at pivotal moments in their careers and strengthening the creative ecosystem within which they work."

The mentors and Apple's role

The inaugural edition will be guided by acclaimed Saudi screenwriter and filmmaker Hani Kadour, Fanny Lamothe (CEO of Cercle Rouge Productions), actor-writer-director Ayoub Layoussifi, and filmmaker Holy Fatma. Additional masterclasses and keynotes from local and international guest speakers are also planned.

Through Today at Apple, participants will receive technical guidance and workshops focused on filmmaking with Apple devices. Apple Retail team members will contribute to sessions exploring camera features, editing workflows, and creative possibilities — basically teaching filmmakers how to fully harness what their iPhone can do beyond taking selfies.

This builds on Apple's growing creative initiatives, which have been expanding globally to support artists and creators across different mediums.

Why this matters for Saudi's film scene

The program arrives at what Carver calls "a time of profound cultural transformation" in Saudi Arabia's film sector. The Kingdom has been investing heavily in its creative industries, with productions like Desert Warrior showcasing Saudi locations to international audiences.

Creative Lab Film Academy places emphasis on novel partnerships and creating pathways for Saudi filmmakers to connect with regional and international practitioners. The program builds on Art Jameel Cinema's work, headed by Zohra Ait El Jamar, which includes thematic festivals, daily screenings at Hayy Cinema, and extensive training initiatives.

While the Gulf region has seen growing investment in film — with Emirati filmmakers making history at international festivals — this academy represents a structured approach to nurturing the next generation of Saudi storytellers.

How to apply and what comes next

The program culminates in the production of three fiction short films, with the first screening scheduled for Autumn 2026 at Hayy Cinema and other venues and festivals. Submissions are now open, with applicants encouraged to apply no later than February 15, 2026.

The initiative reflects Art Jameel's long-term commitment to nurturing creative ecosystems in Saudi Arabia, with elements potentially delivered across Art Jameel's wider spaces, including Hayy Makers, a new community space for learning and making.

For filmmakers in Saudi Arabia looking to develop their craft with cutting-edge technology and industry mentorship, this could be the platform that bridges the gap between emerging talent and professional filmmaking.

Application details

Applications for Creative Lab Film Academy are now open through Art Jameel's official channels. The deadline is February 15, 2026, with director-producer duos particularly encouraged to apply. Three fiction short film projects will be selected for the inaugural six-month cohort, beginning in 2026.

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