With the launch of its “Shoot Your Short” initiative, Documentary Africa is taking a significant step toward funding short-form documentary content. This year, the organization will award $5,000 grants to support African filmmakers in bringing their unique stories to life.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be considered for the grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be African producers of African nationality residing on the continent.
- Have completed at least one previous film.
- Commit to completing the short film within a year of receiving the grant.
- Ensure the documentary is less than 20 minutes in length.
Empowering African Narratives
Documentary Africa is a Pan-African initiative dedicated to fostering a self-sustaining documentary film ecosystem across the continent. The organization aims to empower African filmmakers to tell authentic African stories from their own perspectives, challenging dominant and often inaccurate narratives about Africa.
Through its initiatives, Documentary Africa focuses on storytelling development, content creation, knowledge sharing, distribution, and audience building. By supporting filmmakers at various stages of production—including development, post-production, and impact production—the organization is helping to build a vibrant documentary film industry in Africa.
Broader Support for the Film Industry
In addition to direct funding, Documentary Africa provides project support for documentary organizations working across the continent. This includes assistance with the development, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of projects such as training programs, residencies, festivals, and film markets.
Filmmakers interested in applying for the grant must submit their applications through the Documentary Africa Grants Portal. The deadline for this opportunity is Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024.
With its “Shoot Your Short” initiative, Documentary Africa is offering filmmakers the resources to elevate African narratives and showcase the continent’s diversity through powerful, authentic storytelling.
Deadline 2nd October, 2024.
Application Portal