Whenever we can, What Kept Me Up will highlight credible grants, workshops, funds, etc that african filmmakers can tap into. Filmmaking as a process, not forgetting the business aspects, can be daunting, and as many in the industry have echoed, Collaboration is key. By actively seeking out and sharing information, we hope to bring Nigerian filmmakers closer to opportunities they may not have been aware of.
Late June, Rollpay Africa and Filmmakers Mart announced a short film initiative which will fund three independence-themed short films with 3 Million Naira each. Now, we turn our attention to three new opportunities currently open to African filmmakers across the continent.
From international residencies to funding calls and industry labs, African filmmakers are having more access to opportunities designed to elevate their projects on the global stage.
UNESCO–Tamayouz Filmmaking Residency for African Women
UNESCO, in partnership with the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation and supported by funding from the People’s Republic of China, has announced a six-week filmmaking residency in Morocco. This fully-funded opportunity is open to 10 emerging African women filmmakers between the ages of 21 and 35.
The programme will provide hands-on training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Acclaimed filmmakers Abderrahmane Sissako and Hicham Lasri will guide participants through the creative process as they develop and produce their own short films.
The residency will be held in Rabat and Marrakech, Morocco, from 15 September to 27 October 2025. Applications close on 31 July 2025 (midnight Paris time). Eligible applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in film or audio-visual production. They must have written and directed at least one fiction film (short, medium, or feature), preferably screened or broadcast, and be fluent in English or French. Two participants will be selected from each African sub-region.
The residency covers travel to Morocco, visa support, accommodation, meals, local transport, per diems, training, and equal production funding for each participant’s short film. To apply, submit a completed application form (English or French), CV, and a copy of your passport by 31 July 2025
For more information on how to apply, click here.
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Next Narrative Africa Fund
The Next Narrative Africa Fund is a $40 million initiative dedicated to financing commercially viable audio-visual content by African and African-diaspora storytellers. The fund supports stories that challenge stereotypes, celebrate cultural depth, and centre gender-inclusive narratives.
Projects that engage with themes like healthy masculinity, the empowerment of women and girls, and positive youth representation are highly encouraged. In addition to funding, the NNA Fund supports long-term sustainability by promoting business and intellectual property ownership among creators.
Submissions close in early August 2025. Visit their website for more information.
Berlinale Talents 2026
Berlinale Talents, the creative development arm of the Berlin International Film Festival, is now accepting applications for its 2026 edition. Each year, the programme welcomes 200 top emerging filmmakers from around the world to participate in a week-long event in Berlin, running February 13-18, 2026.
The lab is open to a wide range of film professionals, including actors, cinematographers, costume designers, digital set designers, directors, distributors/exhibitors, editors, film critics, marketing professionals, producers, production designers, sales agents, screenwriters, score composers, sound designers.
Nigerians who have participated in the Talents programme include Akinola Davies Jr., OC Ukeje, Tobi Bakre, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Tope Tedela, Uzoamaka Power, amongst others.
The lab offers access to world-class mentors, interdisciplinary workshops, networking sessions, and think-tanks aimed at advancing the careers and visions of future industry leaders. Participants also become lifelong members of a global network of film professionals.
Applications are open now and will close on September 3, 2025. Full details here
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