
Call to submit proposals for the Female Filmmaker Project has been extended
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africas film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.
The NFVF in collaboration with KZN Film Commission (KZNFC), and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is pleased to announce that the call to submit proposals for the Female Filmmaker Project is now open. The filmmakers will be guided by the team at Zinc Pictures, facilitators of the NFVF project.
BACKGROUND
The concept for the Female Filmmaker Project is to provide ten women, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with an opportunity to make a film in collaboration with other women filmmakers.
We are looking for 15 aspirant female filmmakers who will be guided in the development of their stories into a 24-minute script. The best 10 of those will go on to be trained to direct a production of their stories into a 24-minute film. Successful candidates must be able to set aside time over a 9-month period in order to fully partake in the programme.
OBJECTIVES
To identify new voices, new talent and a new wave of female filmmakers especially amongst the youth and the emerging talent, and to grow this pool.
To nurture, support and promote female filmmakers in South Africa through strategically developed training laboratories and workshops.
To seek out remarkable storytellers and develop regionally-based filmmaking talent, which will bring new perspectives to our South African and ultimately the African and global audience.
WORKSHOPPING
Scripts will be developed and workshopped over a dedicated development period, followed by practical workshopping with a director and key technical crews, with the aim of the films being completed by April 2021. During this process each writer and/or director will be provided with the necessary tools to first develop and write their story, and if successful to then break down scripts for camera as well as detailed strategies for extracting the best performances from actors.
The successful projects and teams will be provided with a professional production crew to shoot their film and assist them in the editing and final delivery of the film.
THEME
DISRUPTION
SLAYING THE DRAGON: The theme looks at a central theme or belief that a character holds dear, that they must overcome or let go of in order to evolve. The short story should chart their journey as they Slay The Dragon as part of their character arch. This could mean a literal killing or something internal, figurative. The theme is open to various genres that would speak to the story but also allude to a visual treatment that could help your story be more cinematic.
This story must be captured in 24 minutes.
The NFVF in association with Zinc Pictures has chosen this as the theme for the films to be produced. The films will be packaged and screened for television audiences, as well as entered into international film festivals.
Applicants are asked to submit scripts pertaining to the theme. At the beginning of a decade that seems to promise great change to the world as we know it, show us how SLAYING THE DRAGON can explore this state of being.
ELIGIBILITY
In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Have worked in the industry for at least two years.
Be a historically disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of at least 9-months to complete the programme. There will be no stipend paid out to successful participants.
NB: This program is aimed at female filmmakers only with some experience in the industry. Only fictional narratives will be accepted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Eligible candidates for the project must:
Have a strong written concept for a 24-minute stand-alone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with other projects under the theme of Slaying the Dragon .
Preference will be given to marginalized indigenous language proposals.
Demonstrate familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including taking feedback, as well as understanding that aspects of their original story might change for the purposes of producing the script
Be willing to meet the demands of the film industry and be present for every training and workshop.
Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work as a part of a team in the pursuit of the same objective.
Understand the value of and able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
Have a portfolio of work to show their capability e.g. a show reel or, in the case of writers script samples, that demonstrates their creative abilities.
NB: Writers will be expected to pitch at production stage to assess capability to direct a film. Only the 10 best candidates will then be selected to direct.
APPLICATIONS
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation for consideration:
Narrative treatment and/or first draft script for 24-minute film including treatment, character bible, detailed synopsis.
Cover letter containing the following:
i. Who you are and why you are passionate about filmmaking
ii. Provide 3 images, one taken by yourself, and provide a short reflection on the imagery (no more than 100 words).
CV which must contain contactable industry references.
Show reel/portfolio of work
Valid
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Home to leading manufacturers, robotics pioneers and infrastructure builders, Japan is one of the world's centers of AI - building across the full stack wit...
14/07/2026
South end zone videoboard, cloud-based control system will be ready for 2026 football season...
14/07/2026
Redesigned website, enhanced mobile app unify content, ticketing, and personalized fan engagement...
14/07/2026
Agreement spans sponsorship sales, digital monetization, radio production, and new practice facility naming rights...
14/07/2026
Independent league adds 14 regional sports network affiliates, growing distribut...
14/07/2026
New strategy aims to unify competitions, content, fan engagement, and commercial...
14/07/2026
ESPN and Disney+ become exclusive home of PFL events in key international MMA market...
14/07/2026
Gill will oversee engineering, technology, and sports operations across the company's 64 local television stations...
14/07/2026
Submitted by North American Broadcasters Association (NABA)
As broadcasters con...
14/07/2026
Modernized mobile unit combines HOME Apps, mc 56 console, and IP infrastructure ...
14/07/2026
Every match of the 32-team tournament will air across ION and Scripps Sports platforms in English and Spanish...
14/07/2026
FloHockey to stream every game of the annual international tournament under four...
14/07/2026
Victory+ telecasts to be simulcast on TEGNA-owned station, expanding free local distribution...
14/07/2026
Plug-ins for heavy music
Avalanche Tones is the brainchild of Ava Toton, a 17-year-old musician and developer who says her goal is to make the lives of gui...
14/07/2026
Launched alongside new Singer Showcase purchase model
IK Multimedia's innovative vocal-synthesis software has just gained its latest voice add-on, the R...
14/07/2026
Registration open until 1 September 2026
The MIDI Association have revealed that the registration deadline for this year's MIDI Innovation Awards has no...
14/07/2026
88-note model completes MK4 range
Novation have just introduced the final model in their flagship MIDI controller keyboard range, the Launchkey MK4 88. Roun...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
IBC2026 has unveiled a powerful Conference programme bringing together global media leaders, technology innovators, creators, sports organisations, broadcasters...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Broadcast Solutions, a leading systems integrator and provider of innovative solutions for the broadcast media industry, has delivered two highly capable outsid...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Editor's note: This post is part of the Nemotron Labs blog series, which exp...
14/07/2026
Techtel Successfully Relocates AICD Broadcast Studio to New Sydney Headquarters
BroadcastBroadcast EquipmentLive StreamingBroadcast Studio2026
14 July Writ...
14/07/2026
Tuesday 14 July 2026
First look revealed for Friday the 13th prequel, Crystal ...
14/07/2026
When immersive audio dominates industry headlines, it's easy to assume that every broadcaster is preparing for an Atmos future. The reality is quite differ...
14/07/2026
Emma and Sophie from ICG's marketing team joined thousands of fellow marketers, brands and agencies at MAD//Fest London 2026, one of the UK's biggest ma...
14/07/2026
Why Trusted and Secure Media Operations Matter In this series, we explore the technologies, architectures and operational realities shaping modern media operati...
14/07/2026
Pilot Project Shows How Retailers Are Prepared for the Next Step in the Evolution of Digital Commerce
Arvato Systems Drives Agentic Commerce Forward
G terslo...
14/07/2026
As part of this commitment, weve joined the SME Climate Hub, publicly pledging to:
measure our greenhouse gas emissions
reduce them in line with a net zero p...
14/07/2026
Power is AI infrastructure's inescapable constraint. How many tokens an AI factory can generate within a fixed power budget determines its revenue and profi...
13/07/2026
The Braves opted to keep production in-house rather than hand it off to MLB...
13/07/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and repo...
13/07/2026
Eurovision Sport is making live athletics more accessible to fans than ever befo...
13/07/2026
The Milwaukee Bucks will return to full-season over-the-air television for the 2...
13/07/2026
SMPTE has announced an expanded education pathway for media technology professio...
13/07/2026
Vizrt has announced that its graphics technology was used by broadcast design agency Girraphic for Netflix's debut MVP MMA event, broadcast live from the In...
13/07/2026
ARRI has announced an agreement to sell its global rental activities in Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America to H2 Equity Partners through a management...
13/07/2026
DAZN has announced a partnership with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring PBC fight nights to DAZN subscribers globally. The partnership begins Saturday, Ju...