UNESCO looks to empower African female filmmakers
FROM AFRICA TO THE SILVER SCREEN: A filmmaking dream unfolds
For emerging African women filmmakers, a truly golden opportunity is knocking. UNESCO, in partnership with the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation and with the generous backing of the People’s Republic of China, is rolling out the red carpet for a 6-week filmmaking residency in Morocco.
This is a rare chance, and the organizers are looking for specific individuals to take the bull by the horns. To be considered, you must identify as a woman and be a citizen of an African state, aged between 21 and 35 before the residency begins.
Aspiring participants should bring at least two years of professional experience in film or audio-visual production to the table, and critically, they must have already written and directed at least one fiction film, be it a short, medium, or feature, that has preferably graced a festival screen or been broadcast.
Fluency in either English or French is also a must. To ensure every corner of Africa is represented, two participants will be selected from each African sub-region, truly making this a pan-African endeavor.
This isn’t just a program; it’s a launchpad for 10 talented young African women, a chance to truly spread their wings in the global film arena. From September 15 to October 27, 2025, participants will find themselves immersed in a unique environment designed to sharpen their skills, amplify their unique storytelling voices, and forge invaluable connections within the African film industry.
This initiative falls squarely within the spirit of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, underscoring the vital importance of showcasing diverse perspectives on screen.
Under the expert guidance of acclaimed directors Abderrahmane Sissako and Hicham Lasri, these aspiring filmmakers will receive top-tier professional training. They’ll have the chance to produce their very own short films and collaborate closely with peers from across the African continent. The residency itself will unfold against the breathtaking backdrops of Rabat and Marrakech, adding another layer of inspiration to this transformative experience.
Selected participants won’t have to break the bank to participate. The program is designed to be all-encompassing, covering travel expenses from their home country to Morocco, providing crucial visa and administrative support, and ensuring comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and convenient local transportation.
Beyond that, they will receive professional training, equal production funding for their short film projects, and even per diems to cover additional personal expenses. It’s an opportunity where every detail is taken care of, allowing participants to focus solely on their creative growth.
For these participants, the clock is ticking. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025, at midnight Paris time. This is more than just a residency; it’s a chance to turn a new leaf in your filmmaking career and become a part of Africa’s evolving cinematic narrative.
The initiative is powered by the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation, a Moroccan organization that is truly dedicated to nurturing a vibrant and competitive film industry, with a particular focus on empowering women professionals.
