AFRIFF, CANEX unveil film programme

The African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the African Export Import Bank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme have collaborated to launch a year-long incubation scheme for African filmmakers.

The programme, titled Script to Screen, will focus on African filmmakers, producers and writers who are interested in improving their ability to create and deliver quality content.

It is aimed at training more than 30 young people in creating exportable film content, fostering Africa’s film development through networking and partnerships, providing up-and-coming filmmakers and providing mentoring and related support services.

Participants will engage in a writers’ lab run by accomplished writers who have attained global recognition in the film industry. There will be development residencies and workshops on financial management, business skills, entertainment law and IP and distribution strategies. They will also pitch their projects to international studios and streamers during the programme.

The initiative is open to Africans aged over 25 living on the continent and in the diaspora who must be proficient in English, Arabic or Portuguese and have a valid passport. Submissions must show previous work undertaken in the film development value chain.

Submissions can be made via email to [email protected]

The development initiative reflects one of CANEX’s core pillars, to build upstream capacity within the audiovisual value chain and improve the exportability of African content.

AFRIFF founder and festival director Chioma Ude said: “Over the years, CANEX has been a critical development partner and collaborator of AFRIFF and continues to be a major pillar of support.

‘The possibilities that this collaboration enables continue to build the much-needed structure and capacity in the African creative industry, as well as amplify the collective values shared by AFRIFF and CANEX in promoting greater creative business opportunities on the continent.”