StoryMi Academy Opens Call for 2025 Documentary Film Fellowship

StoryMi Academy, a storytelling and journalism-focused media organisation, has officially opened applications for its 2025 Documentary Film Fellowship.

The four-month fellowship will support four emerging filmmakers with a grant of N2 million each to develop and produce original documentary films. Applications close on June 10, 2025.

The initiative has previously supported projects such as Shedrack Salami’s “Beyond Olympic Glory,” highlighting its commitment to nurturing non-fiction storytelling in Nigeria.

In its official announcement on May 21, the academy stated that the fellowship, which will run from August to November, is strictly for professional filmmakers with strong in-depth documentary film ideas.

“Applications are now open for our 2025 Documentary Film Fellowship-and if you’re a Nigerian filmmaker with a strong non-fiction story to tell, this is your cue,” it wrote.

It also stated that the fellowship, in partnership with the French Embassy in Nigeria, only four participants will be selected to receive its N2 million sponsorship grant.

To elevate their film idea, according to the academy, they also get personal mentorship from seasoned industry experts like Ike Nnaebue of “No U-turn” (2022) and Nigerian-American journalist, Chika Oduah.

However, the academy, founded by French Journalist, Sophie Bouillon emphasised on the time sensitivity of the fellowship and adherence.