Funding opportunity
for African film makers changing the narrative about Africa
ANF will grant funds of up to $10,000 to filmmakers in Africa or the African diaspora who are working on films with compelling storylines that advocate for Better Representation of the African continent.
To be eligible for this opportunity, filmmakers must first be members of Africa No Filter’s African Narrative Collective.
Africa has an abundance of fresh, different, upbeat, inspirational stories that show Africans as heroes not victims.
Africa No Filter is looking to support films that can change the way the world sees us and how we see ourselves; films about African exceptionalism, featuring interesting and inspiring characters and plots that inspire, motivate and show the progress we have made as a continent.
Africa No Filter is launching the Last Mile Film Fund cycle for the year 2024 to finance African filmmakers who are working on the final stages of production. The fund offers grants of up to $10,000 for feature-length films and up to $5,000 for short films.
Films must have appealing storylines that challenge stereotypical narratives of Africa and advocate for Better Representation of the African continent. Films should be ready for completion and premier within the span of one year after contracting with Africa No Filter.
At Africa No Filter, we believe that harmful narratives are shifted by changing the underlying stories that fuel them and so, we advocate for, and support nuanced and contemporary storytelling that shift stereotypical and harmful narratives within and about Africa.
We support African storytellers to tell stories better and tell better stories. To tell stories better is to adopt nuanced, ethical, and balanced storytelling about Africa. To tell better stories is to contribute to the emergence of new kinds of stories that create new pathways and feed multiple narratives about Africa. This is Better Representation at Africa No Filter.
The Fund is aimed at post-production activities which can be covered by the grant in full. However, if the cost of the intended activity is more than the requested funding from ANF (Africa No Filter), the applicant must show evidence of confirmed funding for the excess amount from another source. The following criteria will be applied:
Eligibility
The following criteria will be applied:
- Short and feature-length fiction, documentary or animation films at the final stages of production, including post-production (editing, visual effects, sound mixing, dubbing), marketing and distribution, etc.
- The call-out is aimed at post-production activities which can be covered by the grant in full. However, if the cost of the intended activity is more than the requested funding from ANF (Africa No Filter), the applicant must show evidence of confirmed funding for the excess amount from another source.
- The fund is open to filmmakers based in the continent and the diaspora, and the project needs to be African led.
- All films must be submitted in their original language. Where the original language is not English or French, French and/or English subtitles should be provided.
- Films must challenge a prevailing negative stereotype about or within Africa or reflect a refreshing, more contemporary and nuanced narrative of the continent, along with a storyline that is compelling to a broad audience both at the pan-African level and internationally.
- Demonstration of commitment or willingness to commit to Better Representation. This includes but is not limited to participating in and delivering the Better Representation induction to the filmmakers you work with.
- Only members of the African Narrative Collective can send through their applications.
Ineligibility
The following applications will not be considered:
- Incomplete applications which lack supporting materials and documents.
- Applications submitted via post or e-mail.
- Short and feature-length films that are in development or production phases.
- Films that reinforce stereotypical and outdated views on Africa by addressing the recurring themes around poverty, poor leadership, weak governance, violence, terrorism, disease, etc.
Amount
$5000 – $10000
Deadline
Candidates will get a notification on the status of their applications via their portal on our grantmaking platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of films is ANF looking to support?
We’re particularly keen on supporting films with storylines that present alternative perspectives about Africa. They should not reinforce the negative stereotypes that still exist. We will not consider funding films that highlight poverty, poor leadership, corruption, conflict or disease. This fund is specifically designed for uplifting stories that focus on human interest rather than issues.
How much time do I have to complete my film project?
All films should be ready for completion and premier 1 year after signing your contract with ANF.
Do I have to live in Africa to apply for this opportunity?
No. This opportunity is open to Africans living on the continent and in the diaspora.
I would like to collaborate with non-African professionals to complete this project. Do we all have to apply?
It is fine if you want to collaborate with non-African professionals for your project. However, you are responsible for the success and the completion of the work.
Can I apply more than once?
We ask that all candidates apply only once, using their best idea to apply.
When will I know the status of my application?
No. Apply once, using your best idea.
My project budget is more than the grant offered. Can I apply for more?
The maximum amount for the Last Mile Film Fund is up to $10,000 for feature-length films and for a maximum of $5,000 for short films.
Are there other additional resources to help with my application?
Yes. We hosted a Masterclass in Grant Writing for Creatives. Watch it here.