Imagine spending six weeks in Morocco, guided by top-tier African directors, while creating your own short film—and getting all your travel, accommodation, and production costs covered.
That’s exactly what UNESCO, with support from China and in collaboration with the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation, is offering to 10 talented young African women in the film industry.
This exciting residency, happening from 15 September to 27 October 2025 in Rabat and Marrakech, is all about empowering new voices in African cinema under the banner of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on cultural diversity.
What the Residency Offers
The programme is more than just a filmmaking workshop—it’s a full-on professional experience.
Over the six weeks, participants will:
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Receive expert mentorship from acclaimed filmmakers Abderrahmane Sissako and Hicham Lasri
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Work closely with peers from across the African continent
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Write, shoot, and edit their own short film
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Take part in online pre-residency sessions and post-programme follow-ups
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Build lasting networks with fellow creatives and industry professionals
The sessions are broken down into clear phases: scenario development, pre-production, production, and post-production.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
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Identify as a woman
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Be a citizen of any African country
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Be aged between 21 and 35 before the programme starts
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Have at least two years of professional experience in film or audiovisual production
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Have written and directed at least one fiction film—short, medium, or feature—that was either screened at a festival or broadcast publicly
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Be fluent in English and/or French
To ensure diversity, two participants will be chosen from each of Africa’s five sub-regions.
All Expenses Paid—Seriously!
Selected participants don’t need to worry about costs.
The programme covers:
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Round-trip travel to Morocco
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Visa assistance and admin support
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Accommodation and meals
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Local transportation during the residency
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Equal production funding for the short films
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Per diems for personal expenses
How the Timeline Works
Here’s a quick look at how everything unfolds:
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7 July 2025 – Applications officially open
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31 July 2025 – Deadline to submit your materials
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15 August 2025 – Selected candidates announced
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28 August 2025 – Online orientation begins
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15 September to 27 October 2025 – In-person residency in Morocco
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October to December 2025 – Online post-residency follow-up and support
What You Need to Submit
Ready to apply? Make sure you send in the following by 31 July 2025:
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Completed application form (in English or French)
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Your CV
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A copy of your passport
Email all documents to: [email protected]
A Chance to Tell Your Story—and Be Heard
This residency isn’t just about training—it’s about visibility, growth, and unlocking new career possibilities.
If you’re a young African woman ready to take your film career to the next level, this could be your launchpad.
Want in? Don’t wait—submit your application before 31 July 2025.
This is your chance to create, collaborate, and shine on a global stage.