The four-day souk will be packed with pitching sessions, meetings, screenings, industry talks and networking events.

Last year’s souk had more than 3,500 accredited industry professionals and organizers, with executives from 46 countries. This year is expected to have an even bigger number of people making it happen.

Zain Zedan, souk manager at the festival, said: “I’ve been working with the RSIFF since 2019. It has been a great pleasure to see the growth of the festival over the years, and where it’s leading, and the number of great films we’re having year by year, and the projects we’re supporting and funding.”

In the souk’s exhibitors’ area, the number of companies has more than doubled since last year, from 19 to 43 from nine countries.

“We’re always trying to expand and bring an international presence … whether it’s from Africa, Arab regions or Europe,” said Zedan.

“Since it’s an international festival, we’re always trying to welcome everyone and show them the abundance of potential we have in the region.”

Referring to a challenge earlier this year whereby people created short films in 48 hours, Zedan said: “They produced them in such a short time and the results were amazing. Two of the films were selected to be part of the RSIFF. So we’re supporting people in different ways, any way we can.”