The French Embassy in Bahrain and Alliance Française recently announced the selection of talented candidates for two prestigious programs aimed at furthering their artistic and cinematic careers. The chosen candidates will receive a comprehensive grant covering tuition fees, travel, accommodation, and a monthly allowance. The announcement was made during an event at the Shaikh Ebrahim Center, where Bahraini artists’ achievements on the global stage were also showcased. The event featured the opening and presentation of application rules for two selective programs supported by the French Embassy: the “Produire au Sud” Regional Training Program in Dubai and the Platform Residency Program at the “Cité Internationale des Arts” in Paris.
The “Produire au Sud” Regional Training Program in Dubai is designed to support directors working on their first feature film, with a focus on scriptwriting and co-financing strategies. On the other hand, the Platform Residency Program at the “Cité Internationale des Arts” in Paris is open to all artists across disciplines and offers a platform for creative growth in one of the world’s most iconic cultural capitals. The program includes disciplines such as cinema, dance, architecture, music, street art, digital creation, and visual arts like photography, painting, and video. All details of the programs are available on the official French Embassy website.
During the event, the attendees had the opportunity to watch several short films by renowned Bahraini filmmaker Saleh Nass, including Game (2012), Central Market (2015), Pick-up (2015), and the latest Sherbet (2024), directed by Danny Gobbins and edited by Nass. The films captivated the audience, which consisted of passionate artists, cinema lovers, and filmmakers from Bahrain. Nass, a Bahraini filmmaker, producer, and editor, attended the event to share his thoughts on the programs. He expressed his hopes to foster deeper cultural ties between Paris’ legendary film scene and Bahrain’s emerging film industry during his upcoming residency in the French capital. Nass’s selection for the prestigious Institut Français x Cité Internationale des Arts residency program places him among just 45 filmmakers from around the world chosen for this honor.
The event showcased the strong cultural connections between Bahrain and France and highlighted the French Embassy’s commitment to supporting and nurturing artistic talent in the region. The evening at the Shaikh Ebrahim Center not only celebrated the achievements of Bahraini artists but also provided a platform for talented individuals to further their careers in the arts and cinema. The programs offered by the French Embassy and Alliance Française provide a unique opportunity for Bahraini artists to enhance their skills, gain exposure on a global stage, and collaborate with artists from around the world. These initiatives play a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and artistic development in Bahrain and beyond. The event served as a testament to the vibrant and diverse artistic community in the kingdom and the potential for further growth and success in the field of arts and cinema.
