Written by With funding from the People’s Republic of China and in partnership with the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation, UNESCO presents a 6-week filmmaking residency in Morocco for 10 emerging African women filmmakers, aged 21–35. Within the framework of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, this unique programme offers a platform to enhance skills, amplify voices, and connect with key players in the film industry across the continent.Location of the residency: Rabat & Marrakech, Morocco Dates of the residency: 15 September – 27 October 2025
Under the mentorship of acclaimed directors Abderrahmane Sissako and Hicham Lasri, participants will receive professional training, produce their own short film, and collaborate with peers from across Africa.
Requirements
Applicants must:
Identify as a woman
Be a citizen of an African state
Be between 21 and 35 years old before the start of the residency
Have at least 2 years of professional experience in film or audio-visual production
Have written and directed at least one fiction film (short, medium, or feature), preferably screened at a festival or broadcast
Speak and understand English and/or French fluently
Two participants will be selected from each African sub-region.
Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
Travel expenses from their home country to Morocco
Visa and administrative support
Accommodation, meals, and local transportation
Training and equal production funding for short film projects
Per diems for additional personal expenses Program
Format: Hybrid (online and in-person)
August – September: Preparatory activities (online)
15 September – 27 October 2025: Six-week residency (in presential in Morocco):
o Session 1: Introduction and development of scenarios
o Session 2: Pre-production
o Session 3: Production
o Session 4: Post-production and closing of the residency
October – December: Post-residency follow-up (online)
The residency programme offers selected filmmakers multiple networking opportunities to forge lasting connections.
How to Apply:
Submit the following:
A completed application form (in English or French)
CV
A copy of your passport by 31 July 2025 to: convention2005.call@unesco.org
Application Timeline:
7 July 2025: Launch of the open call for applications
31 July 2025: Deadline for applications submissions
15 August 2025: Announcement of the selected candidates
28 August 2025: Online session / Preparatory activities
15 September – 27October 2025: 6-week residency in Morocco
Deadline: 31 July 2025
Click HERE to Apply