East Africa’s Cinema on the Rise — Several Ugandan and Regional Projects Head to 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival Souk Market
Saudi Arabia/Kampala
The 2025 edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival’s Souk Project Market — to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 4–13 — has selected 40 feature films and series projects from around the world, including a significant number from Africa and East Africa. Among those are projects linked to Uganda, reflecting growing interest in East African storytelling.
The Souk Project Market serves as a global platform connecting filmmakers with producers, distributors, and investors — offering opportunities for co-production deals, funding and international exposure. This year’s selection includes 24 projects in development or production, 8 works-in-progress, and 8 episodic series, with more than 42% of selected projects directed by women. Several debut filmmakers are getting their first shot at reaching a global audience.
For Uganda’s film industry this represents both hope and challenge. On one hand, international interest and funding opportunities can catalyze growth, nurture talent, and improve production standards. On the other hand, the competition for global attention is fierce — local filmmakers must ensure high-quality storytelling, production value, and effective networking to succeed.
Why it matters
The inclusion of East African projects in a major global festival market highlights that African stories are gaining recognition — and that Uganda could become a competitive hub for creative exports, cultural diplomacy, and soft power.
What to watch
Which Ugandan projects make it out of the Souk Market with production deals or distribution agreements. Also, whether more local investors — public or private — begin backing film and creative arts infrastructure. A growing film sector could mean jobs, cultural representation, and economic opportunities beyond agriculture and traditional industries.
