Yaoundé, Cameroon — January 2025
The ALAKA Film Lab, a development and co-production hub for filmmakers in Central Africa, has launched its 2025 call for projects. Emerging directors and producers from the region are invited to submit their film and series projects by February 7, 2025, with a chance to participate in an eight-day residency program in June 2025.
The initiative aims to foster collaboration between Central African talents and international film networks, providing a platform for participants to refine their projects, enhance their storytelling skills, and establish valuable industry connections.
An Opportunity for Emerging Filmmakers
The ALAKA Film Lab is open to filmmakers from 11 Central African countries, including Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea Equatorial, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad.
Participants will receive professional guidance on scriptwriting, production strategies, pitching techniques, and co-production fundamentals. The program focuses on bridging the gap between local filmmakers and international distributors, producers, and broadcasters.
According to the organizers, the lab is designed to address the challenges faced by emerging filmmakers in the region, offering critical feedback and networking opportunities to help their projects succeed.
Program Phases
The residency is divided into three key phases:
- Phase 1: Online mentorship for 2-3 months to help participants improve their scripts before the residency.
- Phase 2: An eight-day in-person residency in Central Africa, featuring workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one sessions with film experts.
- Phase 3: Post-residency support, including project monitoring and connections to grants, festivals, and co-production opportunities.
Participants will engage with renowned filmmakers, producers, and distributors, who will share insights on local and international film production success stories.
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Eligibility and Submission Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must submit their projects as a team of a director and a producer. Projects should be at the writing or development stage, and applicants must be available to attend the residency in its entirety.
Submissions can be made in French or English and must include detailed documentation, such as synopsis, treatment, budget plan, production timeline, and a motivation letter.
Empowering African Storytellers
Through this initiative, ALAKA Film Lab continues its commitment to supporting African stories by creating an ecosystem where Central African filmmakers can thrive. Selected participants will have the chance to win development grants, co-production agreements, and distribution deals, along with opportunities to participate in partner film labs worldwide.
For more details or to submit your project, contact yaoundefilmlab@gmail.com.
— Africanian News