African Film Producers Get Opportunity at Creative Producers’ Indaba

The Creative Producers’ Indaba (CPI), a highly successful film-producer professional development fellowship, has announced that submissions are now open for its fourth edition.

The program, hosted by the Cape Town-based Realness Institute in collaboration with EAVE, the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s IFFR Pro, and the Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops, aims to equip participants with practical tools to enhance their film production management skills, develop essential leadership skills, and gain the capacity to operate sustainable businesses at a strategic level.

Fifteen film professionals from Africa and international producers interested in producing in Africa will be selected: five creative producers from Africa with audiovisual projects in development, five international producers without projects, and five African film professionals from international sales, funding, festivals, markets, or an institutional background interested in working across continents.

“Recognizing the vital role of the film industry in social and macroeconomic development, we aim to develop these producers into key influencers who can shape favorable policies and financial infrastructures essential for the growth of Africa’s film industry,” said Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnership at the Realness Institute. “We also aim to foster collaboration between Europe, America, Asia, and Africa, facilitating the exchange of ideas and promoting international co-productions.”

The CPI comprises three workshop modules over six months, combining in-person and online sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals, including active, successful producers, lawyers, finance experts, and sales experts who will share their diverse perspectives and professional experiences.

“It fills me with so much joy to see Creative Producers’ Indaba go into its 4th edition and that EAVE was able to inspire the program and contribute since its inception,” said Kristen Trapp, CEO at EAVE. “Seeing the latest success stories of the Indaba alumni at A-list festivals and in the creation of networks on the continent is a strong sign of the impact of the program.”

Applicants must have produced at least one feature fiction, series, or documentary film, or a minimum of two short films as a lead or co-producer and possess a minimum of four years of professional experience.

The deadline for submissions is July 15 at 12:00 Central African Time.