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By Luganda David
MOROCCO – UNESCO, in partnership with the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation and with funding from the People’s Republic of China, has announced a new filmmaking residency program aimed at empowering young African women in the film industry. The six-week residency, scheduled to take place in Morocco from September 15 to October 27, will select ten emerging filmmakers aged 21 to 35.
This initiative seeks to provide a platform for participants to hone their skills, amplify their unique perspectives, and network with influential figures in the African film industry. The program will offer intensive professional training, culminating in each participant producing their own short film. It also emphasizes collaboration, allowing the selected filmmakers to work alongside their peers from across the continent.
“This residency is a vital step in addressing the underrepresentation of women in African cinema,” said a UNESCO representative. “By providing these talented women with the resources and mentorship they need, we are helping to build a more inclusive and dynamic film industry for the future.”
Applicants must be fluent in either English or French. The deadline for applications is July 31. This program is a significant opportunity for the next generation of African women filmmakers to gain hands-on experience and make their mark on the global stage.
Within the framework of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, this unique programme offers a platform to enhance skills, amplify voices, and connect with key players in the film industry across the continent.
Under the mentorship of acclaimed directors Abderrahmane Sissako and Hicham Lasri, participants will receive professional training, produce their own short film, and collaborate with peers from across Africa.
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Identify as a woman
- Be a citizen of an African state
- Be between 21 and 35 years old before the start of the residency
- Have at least 2 years of professional experience in film or audio-visual production
- Have written and directed at least one fiction film (short, medium, or feature), preferably screened at a festival or broadcast
- Speak and understand English and/or French fluently
Two participants will be selected from each African sub-region.
What’s covered?
Selected participants will receive:
- Travel expenses from their home country to Morocco
- Visa and administrative support
- Accommodation, meals, and local transportation
- Training and equal production funding for short film projects
- Per diems for additional personal expenses
How to apply?
Submit the following:
- A completed application form (in English or French)
- CV
- A copy of your passport
By 31 July 2025 to: convention2005.call@unesco.org
