LONDON: Netflix and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture have announced a new training program for female filmmakers in the Arab world. The program, called “Women in Film: Introduction to the Creative Process,” will focus on introducing the creative filmmaking process and the different roles that women can play behind the camera. “At Netflix, we are passionate about amplifying women’s voices behind the camera,” said Nuha el Tayeb, director, content director, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Netflix. “AFAC has been a long-standing partner and has done some incredible work for under-represented voices within the film fraternity in the region. Through this partnership, we are discovering a wealth of promising Arab talent and working to ensure that women are represented both on and off camera.” The program is open to emerging female filmmakers aged 21 to 27 who have graduated from film studies and are living in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or the UAE. The 45 selected participants will receive training from established female filmmakers from the Arab region, and they will also have the opportunity to network with other aspiring filmmakers. All participants will also be provided with an opportunity to travel to a Netflix European production hub early next year. AFAC’s Director Rima Mismar said that the initiative reflected a long-standing commitment to “supporting bold creative voices of women and men artists, who are trying to push boundaries and challenge status-quos.” Mismar said that the program was part of AFAC’s efforts to favor the emergence of regional women talents and “allow for a deeper understanding of the inequities and inequalities that women are subjected to in the film industry.” The program is also part of Netflix’s wider commitment to promoting gender equality in the Arab cinema industry through its “Because She Created” initiatives. Last year, the streaming giant teamed with AFAC in a scheme that gave five female Arab producers and directors a total of $250,000 via Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity. Applications for the program are open from Aug. 17 to Sept. 8. Successful participants will be selected by an external jury and notified on or before Oct. 17.