Are you a passionate African woman filmmaker or storyteller ready to take your creativity to the next level? Applications are now open for the 2025 UNESCO/Tamayouz Cinema Foundation Residency—a fully funded, six-week filmmaking program in Morocco, dedicated to nurturing emerging talent across Africa’s film industry.
This transformative residency is supported by the People’s Republic of China and jointly organized by UNESCO and the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation, under the framework of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
Residency Details
- Location: Rabat & Marrakech, Morocco
- Dates: September 15 – October 27, 2025
- Format: In-person (with virtual pre-program)
- Language: English or French
- Application Deadline: Refer to the official page for deadlines
What the Residency Covers (Fully Funded)
Selected participants will receive:
- Round-trip international travel to Morocco
- Visa application support
- Local transportation within Morocco
- Accommodation and meals during the entire 6-week stay
- Daily stipend for personal expenses
- Film production funding to create an original short film
- Creative mentorship by acclaimed filmmakers Abderrahmane Sissako and Hicham Lasri
- Workshops, coaching, and networking with leading African creatives
Program Highlights
- Conceptualize, shoot, and complete a short film during the residency
- Work collaboratively with fellow filmmakers from across Africa
- Engage in hands-on training throughout development, filming, and post-production phases
- Participate in virtual sessions from August to early September
- Continue with online follow-up activities through December 2025
- Build meaningful, long-term industry connections
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Identify as a woman
- Be a national of any African country
- Be 21–35 years old by September 15, 2025
- Have at least two years of experience in film or audiovisual production
- Have written and directed at least one narrative film (short, medium, or feature) that has been screened publicly (festival or broadcast)
- Be fluent in English or French
🌍 One participant will be selected from each African sub-region, ensuring fair geographic representation.
Why You Should Apply
- Access professional filmmaking mentorship
- Bring your unique story to life on a global creative platform
- Join a pan-African network of storytellers
- Gain exposure and visibility in the international film scene
- Receive production support and creative development resources
How to Apply
Ready to make your mark in African cinema?
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