Parallel to the Red Sea International Film Festival, the University of Arts Bournemouth and Effat University collaborated to launch the first edition of "The Pop-Up Film School" in 2024. This two-week training program aimed to build students' capacities in various aspects of the film industry.
The program engaged 600 students from 12 schools across Jeddah in 72 interactive workshops covering production, acting and directing, costume design and make-up, animation, and music. Through this initiative, young students explored the many roles within filmmaking and were inspired to consider careers in the film industry.
This partnership also produced "Voices of AlUla," a short film shot in Al-Ula by a UK filmmaker and Saudi film students. Directed, produced, and co-edited by Mitoshka Alkova, the film won the prestigious Jabal Taweeq Award at the Saudi Film Festival's Documentary Film Competition.