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The FAME Shorts Film Festival, part of the annual FAME Week Africa event in Cape Town, has officially opened its call for submissions for the 2025 edition. Scheduled to run from 4 to 6 September at the historic Labia Theatre, the festival invites filmmakers from across Africa and its diaspora to submit their short films that reflect the continent’s stories, voices, and evolving realities.
Focused on showcasing authentic African narratives, the festival highlights short films that delve into themes such as cultural heritage, diasporic identity, socio-political issues, and environmental concerns. According to FAME Week Africa’s marketing manager, Steven Beckett, the event serves as a snapshot of “Africa now,” spotlighting everything from intimate personal stories to the continent’s global cultural impact.
Filmmakers, whether emerging talents or industry veterans, can submit their work in various categories including Best Documentary Short Film, Best Narrative Short Film, Best Animated Short Film, Best Student Short Film, and Best LGBTQ+ Short Film. All submissions must maintain an African connection.
The submission deadline is 25 April 2025, with selection notifications starting from 30 June. Entries are being accepted via FilmFreeway.
Notable short films from previous editions include Swimming in a Sea of Trauma by Ugochukwu Anyaeji “Ugo”, Rehearsal by Michael Omonua, and Egúngún (Masquerade) by Olive Nwosu.
The 2025 edition will also see a continued partnership with Yes! Definitely, an award-winning bottled water brand known for fusing sustainability with creativity through its artist-designed reusable bottles.
In related news, FAME Week Africa has announced that verified content buyers can now apply for a free Buyers Badge for the 2025 edition. Running from September 1-6, with MIP Africa taking place September 1-3, the pass grants qualified buyers access to key networking spaces, including the Producer’s Lounge and curated meetings diary. It’s a valuable opportunity for buyers from around the world to engage directly with African distributors, producers, and studios, and tap into the continent’s booming creative economy. Applications close at the end of April 2025.
For more FAME Week 2025 updates, stay tuned to What Kept Me Up.
What Kept Me Up is a media partner of FAME Week Africa 2025.
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