DW Akademie, a German media development organisation, is inviting Tanzanian and Ugandan filmmakers to apply for film development funding and training funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The DW Akademie is looking for filmmakers who have already completed one or more films and are looking for support with their next project. Separate judges will pick up to five successful candidates from each country in January 2022, with each receiving a maximum of US$ 11772,30 and a year of mentorship to assist in developing their film ideas.
Industry professionals, primarily from the Global South, workshops and skill development will be part of the curriculum. Thanks to this customised training, the successful candidates will carry their projects through the development stage.
“The DW Akademie Film Development Fund strives to create local, regional, and international visibility for films from Tanzania and Uganda,” says Natascha Schwanke, Director of Media Development at DW Akademie. The organisation wants to help filmmakers who might otherwise have difficulty getting their voices heard, and their stories conveyed. The initial call in Ethiopia was a huge success, and we are excited to see what new proposals come in.”
Five Ethiopian filmmakers are now receiving financial assistance and training as part of the film fund’s pilot program. Development and preproduction are crucial stages of production for which filmmakers typically have insufficient funding. DW Akademie hopes to build synergies and networks for filmmakers across the region by introducing the fund in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
To achieve this goal, DW Akademie is collaborating with several local partners, notably the Film Lab Zanzibar. The fund’s overarching goal is to strengthen the film industry in nations in the Global South by combining financial assistance with training for selected filmmakers. The DW website has more information on eligibility and application procedures.
