AFFC Storytellers Film Lab Cohort III: Empowering Nairobi's Emerging Female Filmmakers

AFFC Storytellers Film Lab Cohort III is now accepting applications from emerging female filmmakers in Nairobi. 6-week program, apply by February 2.

The African Female Filmmakers Collective (AFFC) has announced an open call for its highly anticipated Storytellers Film Lab Cohort III, a transformative opportunity designed specifically for emerging women filmmakers based in Nairobi, Kenya. This intensive six-week program offers hands-on training, professional mentorship, and the resources needed to turn powerful stories into compelling short films.

The AFFC Storytellers Film Lab is a comprehensive development program that takes participants from concept to screen. Selected filmmakers will work in collaborative teams to write, direct, shoot, and ultimately showcase their original short films using professional mobile phone filmmaking equipment.

What Makes This Program Unique?

Duration: 6 weeks of intensive, hands-on training

Format: Collaborative team-based filmmaking

Equipment: Access to professional mobile phone filmmaking gear

Support: Expert mentorship and masterclasses throughout the program

Showcase: Films premiere at the prestigious AFFC Industry Showcase

The AFFC Storytellers Film Lab follows a structured yet creative process:

Weeks 1-2: Script development, pre-production planning, and equipment training 

Weeks 3-4: Principal photography and collaborative production 

Weeks 5-6: Post-production, editing, and final screening preparation 

Showcase Event: Public premiere of all completed films

Who Should Apply?

The AFFC is particularly seeking:

• Emerging female filmmakers based in Nairobi

• Women aged 35 and above who are writers, directors, or producers

• Creators of African descent ready to develop original short film projects

• Women from marginalized communities and informal settlements (strongly encouraged to apply)

• Storytellers with narratives that are thoughtful, bold, and rooted in lived experience

The program is looking for films that explore the depth and complexity of human experience; stories that reflect: intimacy and connection, tension, conflict, compassion, loss, resilience, and the many ways love shapes our lives. 

If your story examines these themes with nuance, authenticity, and creative vision, this opportunity is designed for you.

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements:

• Female filmmaker of African descent

• Based in Nairobi, Kenya

• Writer, director, and/or producer

• Aged 35 and above (for the 35+ track)

• Emerging filmmaker ready to develop an original short film

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

Apply Here: AFFC Storytellers Film Lab Application Form

The African Female Filmmakers Collective is committed to amplifying African voices in cinema, with a particular focus on empowering women filmmakers who have historically been underrepresented in the industry. Through programs like the Storytellers Film Lab, AFFC provides the training, resources, and platform necessary for emerging talent to thrive. The organization's Industry Showcase has become a respected platform for discovering new voices in African cinema, connecting filmmakers with industry professionals, distributors, and audiences who value authentic storytelling.

Women from marginalized communities and informal settlements are especially encouraged to apply. Your perspective, your experience, your voice matters. The African film industry needs the stories only you can tell.

Don't wait. Your story deserves to be seen.

For more information about the AFFC Storytellers Film Lab, visit the Africa Female Filmmakers Collective's official channels or reach out through their application portal.

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