This is your last chance to be part of a life-changing creative journey designed exclusively for young African women filmmakers. The UNESCO/Tamayouz Cinema Foundation Residency is a fully funded, intensive six-week film development program that offers young female creators from Africa the opportunity to build their skills, receive world-class mentorship, and produce a short film in the culturally rich settings of Rabat and Marrakech, Morocco.
The residency was just announced as part of UNESCO’s celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This initiative is backed by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, ensuring zero cost to participants while focusing on empowering African creative voices through cinema. The program is run in partnership with Tamayouz Cinema Foundation, a rising cultural force in the MENA region dedicated to cinema training and production development.
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In an era where global cinema is undergoing a shift toward more inclusive, diverse storytelling, this residency offers 10 young women filmmakers from across Africa a powerful chance to sharpen their craft and gain international recognition. The selection committee will ensure geographic diversity by selecting two participants from each of the five African subregions (North, South, East, West, and Central Africa).
Participants will have the rare opportunity to be mentored by legendary African filmmakers, including Abderrahmane Sissako, the award-winning Mauritanian director known for Timbuktu, and Hicham Lasri, a bold, avant-garde voice from Morocco’s cinema scene. With such mentorship, the program is not just about learning; it’s about transformation—creative, personal, and professional.
The six-week residency is designed as an immersive experience that combines theory, hands-on practice, production, and collaboration. Selected participants will work on their individual film projects while engaging in team exercises, workshops, and scriptwriting labs. They will also direct, produce, and premiere their own short film, developed during the program with the support of the mentors and the organizing foundation.
This residency is more than a training program—it’s a powerful platform to launch careers, build visibility, and foster a new wave of fearless storytelling by African women. From start to finish, the program covers all expenses: international travel, visa fees, local transportation, accommodation, meals, and even personal stipends. It’s not just affordable—it’s completely free.
But you must act fast. With only 10 spots available and a deadline fast approaching, this opportunity is in high demand. UNESCO and the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation are calling on young women with vision, voice, and ambition to apply before the final cut-off. If you are ready to tell bold stories, explore identity, address social issues, or simply create art from your own lens, this is the residency for you.
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Whether you’re interested in directing, scriptwriting, or production, this residency will equip you with essential tools, professional guidance, and an international network of collaborators. Plus, Morocco’s historical and cinematic landscapes will serve as your living studio—Rabat’s regal aura and Marrakech’s vibrant street scenes offer the perfect canvas for any story.
The final outcome of the residency will be a collection of powerful short films made by African women, premiered at a closing event and promoted across media platforms and cultural channels supported by UNESCO. These works will not only reflect the diversity of African narratives, but they will also serve as tools for advocacy, education, and change.
By participating in this residency, you will also join UNESCO’s wider network of cultural professionals working to reclaim African narratives and boost female representation in film, a sector still marked by global underrepresentation and limited funding opportunities for women from the continent.
This is more than a call for applications—it’s a call for stories that matter. It’s an urgent invitation to elevate your craft, amplify your voice, and contribute to the next chapter in African cinema. If you are ready to build your portfolio, connect with peers, gain global recognition, and bring your stories to life, don’t wait—the final hours are ticking away.
Name of Organizer
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in partnership with Tamayouz Cinema Foundation
Requirement/Eligibility
1. Must identify as a woman
2. Must be a citizen of an African country
3. Must be between the ages of 21 and 35 by the start of the program (15 September 2025)
4. Must have at least two years of professional experience in film or audiovisual production
5. Must have written and directed at least one fiction film (short, medium, or feature-length)
6. The directed film should have been screened publicly (film festival, TV, or online platform)
7. Must be fluent in English and/or French
8. Must be available to participate fully in the program for its entire duration
9. Should demonstrate commitment to a career in filmmaking
10. Must possess collaborative skills and openness to cultural exchange
Duration/Stipend
The residency will last 6 weeks, beginning on 15 September 2025 and concluding on 27 October 2025. It is fully funded by UNESCO and the Government of China. This includes:
- International roundtrip airfare
- Visa application and administrative support
- On-site accommodation in Morocco
- Daily meals and local transportation
- A personal stipend (per diem)
Production budget for creating a short film
There are no participation or application fees. This is a zero-cost opportunity with maximum value.
Location
The program will take place in Rabat and Marrakech, two of Morocco’s most iconic and film-friendly cities. Participants will have access to studios, professional equipment, local actors, and real-life cultural settings for their projects.
Deadline
31 July 2025
Apply Now
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