AuthenticA Series Lab Returns for Fifth Year, Inviting Applications from African Screenwriters

The AuthenticA Series Lab, a screenwriters programme from South Africa-based non-profit Realness Institute, is now open for applications for its 5th edition. This six-month programme is delivered in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, a Swiss non-profit organisation dedicated to holding space for storytellers from underrepresented communities. Series Mania returns as the programme festival partner, where the writers will pitch their projects to industry decision-makers as part of the African Series Pitch in Lille, France, in March 2027. The Canada Media Fund also returns for a third year as a funding partner, supporting the participation of one African Canadian writer in the programme. 

The programme has supported 15 African writers since its inception, with some writers currently in active co-production conversations with companies across the UK, France, Canada and the US. Now entering its milestone fifth year, the AuthenticA Series Lab comes at a time when the industry is particularly volatile and unstable, making this offering even more necessary. 

The programme welcomes submissions of original series projects in any genre, from writers living in Africa or the African diaspora, provided the story concept is set in Africa. Four writers will be selected for the programme, which is conducted through a mixture of online and in-person sessions, taking place from September 2026 to April 2027. Selected writers will be mentored by Selina Ukwuoma, Story Consultant and Director of Writing Programmes, and Mehret Mandefro, Creative Producer and Managing Director of the Realness Institute. 

Selina Ukwuoma says, “The lab offers writers a rare opportunity to take creative risks. It gives them the confidence to trust their most audacious ideas and shape them into series with real craft, rigour and clarity.”

“Giving writers the time and space to bring their boldest ideas at a time when the industry is so unstable is the best way we know how to meet this moment,” says Mehret Mandefro. 

Experienced industry experts are invited to engage with the cohort as guest speakers, sharing their insights and professional journeys through case studies, offering a range of industry perspectives and practical guidance. Past guest speakers have included Anthony Q. Farrell (Writer/Director/Producer, Canfro Productions), Layla Swart (Producer/Co-Founder, Yellowbone Entertainment), Aoife Lennon-Ritchie (Managing Director of Torchwood Literary & Scouting), Sameer Gardezi (Founder, Break the Room Media) and Pauline Fischer (Founder & CEO, PMF Media Group, Inc.). 

For our fifth year our programme opens with in-person sessions in Ethiopia, a first, and then moving through online sessions, which culminates in a two-month residency in Geneva, Switzerland, before the cohort pitches at Series Mania in Lille, France. The outcome of the programme is that each participant will deliver a pitch deck and a pilot script. The rights to the material developed through the programme will remain with each writer. 

“This programme reflects what we believe in: backing bold storytelling from voices the industry hasn't made enough room for," says Laure de Peretti de la Rocca, Director of The StoryBoard Collective. "Partnering for this lab, and hosting the AuthenticA writers in Geneva at the StoryBoard House, is how we put that belief into action.”

Francesco Capurro, Series Mania Forum Director says “AuthenticA’s pitching sessions have become one of the Forum’s most anticipated highlights. International industry professionals continue to show a strong appetite for distinctive voices emerging from African content, and this is due to the outstanding preparation and mentoring work carried out by the teams at the Realness Institute and StoryBoard Collective. I am already looking forward to discovering the 2027 cohort.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to investing in Canadian African diaspora storytellers, the Canada Media Fund will sponsor the participation of one African-Canadian writer in the programme. 

“The Canada Media Fund is proud to continue its partnership with the AuthenticA Series Lab and support the participation of an African-Canadian writer for a third consecutive year," said Jessica Lea Fleming, Director of Industry Development, CMF. "Programs like AuthenticA create meaningful opportunities for creators to develop bold, unique stories while building the international relationships that are increasingly essential in today's screen industry. We are pleased to support an initiative that strengthens creative and business connections between Canada and Africa, while helping elevate diverse voices whose stories will resonate with audiences at home and around the world.”

The call for applications is open from Monday, 06 July 2026, closing on Saturday, 1 August 2026. 

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://realnessinstitute.com/2026/07/04/authentica-african-series-lab-call-is-open/ or email submissions@realness.institute

Four African Writers Head to France for Series Mania Forum

Cape Town SA:  23 March 2026: Four exceptional African screenwriters will showcase their original television series projects to international industry leaders at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France, later this month, following six months of intensive development through the Realness Institute’s AuthenticA Series Lab.

The AuthenticA Series Lab is an episodic screenwriting programme run in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, and with support from the Canada Media Fund and industry partners Series Mania Forum, the major international gathering for the development, financing and distribution of scripted television series.

Now in its fourth edition, AuthenticA Series Lab supports and mentors African writers to develop globally competitive television series enabling them to pitch and connect with international partners, financiers and producers.

The writers from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria will present their projects at the AuthenticA African Series Pitch on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 (14:30–15:00) during the Series Mania Forum. 

The four participating writers are:

Reem Morsi (Egypt/Canada) who will pitch Humanitarians!, a Dark Comedy at the Forum. Reem is an award-winning writer and director, and multi-genre filmmaker, with a background in professional scuba diving, and human rights advocacy. Her feature Banned has just begun its festival tour, and she has directed the film Queen Tut and episodes of Virgins!, including the season finale. Her series FISH won the Canadian National Genre Competition by WIFTV and is currently in development, along with two other scripted projects. 

Gamel Apalayine (Ghana) who will pitch his Mystery Drama The Gospel According to Charlotte Nelson is a storyteller working across film, television, theatre, and music. He was Head Writer for 560 episodes of Ghana’s hit series DEDE and two seasons of ENO, Showmax’s first original drama series. He is developing a dynamic slate of film, TV, and theatre projects through his creative company, Whistling Rocks. 

Mona Ombogo (Kenya) is an award-winning scriptwriter and best-selling author, who received the 2024 Women in Film Award for Best Script Writer and the Best Writing in a Series award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Netflix’s Volume. She has served as head writer for Salem and Shanga, and contributed to Showmax’s Single Kiasi. She will pitch a Romantic Thriller series called Kanaan at the Forum.

Joladé Olusanya (Nigeria/UK) who is a poet, filmmaker, and photographer, who tells intimate stories blending lyrical writing with cinematic visuals, will pitch his project KID: The Hogan Bassey Story, a Sports Epic. Joladé has been commissioned by the BBC and Barbican, and exhibited internationally. Through his company, By The Kin, he is developing short films and an original TV series while building community-led projects. 

"At Series Mania Forum, we’re excited to showcase these four extraordinary talents from Africa on a global stage, where their rich and diverse stories can captivate the international industry,” says Francesco Capurro, Director, Series Mania Forum. “We’re proud to champion their voices and look forward to the impact they will make worldwide"

“Providing African writers a safe space to develop the stories they want to tell with the resources they need to tell them, is still a rare intervention.  These four writers are proof of what becomes possible when that space actually exists,” says Mehret Mandefro, Creative Producer, Managing Director, Realness Institute: 

“Each year the AuthenticA writers are encouraged to tell the stories they have kept quietly hidden — the audacious, difficult, complex ones. With the support the lab provides, the writers consistently push the boundaries,” says Selina Ukwuoma, Script Consultant and Director of Writing Programmes, Realness Institute. “They find a way to tell these groundbreaking stories and in so doing they redefine the narrative about Africa.”

Laure de Peretti de la Rocca, Executive Director, The StoryBoard Collective says, "The AuthenticA Series Lab is not only a long-term creative development program, but also provides writers with the market literacy and industry access needed to protect their voices. We support storytellers whose perspectives deserve far greater visibility on screen and create pathways to international partners ready to bring those stories to life.”

Through its robust and hands-on mentorship and development programme the AuthenticA Series Lab equips African series writers with the skills to bring their stories to life, while the Series Mania Forum opens doors to global audiences.

For more information on the AuthenticA Series Lab: https://www.realness.institute/authentica-series-lab

Realness Institute Strengthens Producing and Writing Skills Development in African Film and Television Industry with New Board and Alumni Advisory Council

Cape Town, SA. 9 March 2026: Cape Town-based Realness Institute, the pioneering organisation that supports the growth of independent African storytellers in cinema and television, has announced the appointment of a new Board and Alumni Advisory Council to steer the organisation into a new era of sustainability.

Since its inception in 2015, Realness has been a driving force in supporting African voices through skills development programmes in writing and producing, and networking opportunities that connect talent to professionals both on the continent and internationally. Its programmes include the prestigious Creative Producer Indaba - a fellowship for producers focused on sustainability and co-financing opportunities that can stabilize their companies and careers, and the AuthenticA Series Lab, which supports the development of episodic content in partnership with StoryBoard Collective and Series Mania..  The institute has empowered 200+ film industry professionals who have gone on to become award-winning producers, writers and directors with premieres and wins at festivals that include Sundance, Cannes, and Venice Film festivals. 

Alongside the appointment of 4 new Board members, 9 alumni from across various Realness programmes will serve on an advisory Sub-Committee to the Board. Drawing on their hands-on experience of the programmes, they will support both the Board and the operational team in contributing to the development of an alumni network offering and strategic direction for the organisation.

The new Realness Institute Board comprises:

·  Dillion Phiri (South Africa,: a filmmaker, founder, and creative entrepreneur known for building platforms and networks like Creative Nestlings that boasts over 100K+ creatives and aims to unlock the power of creative tech to power Africa’s transformation. 

·  Enyinnaya Omeruah (Nigeria), talent manager and film financier who has extensive experience in film production, and distribution.

·  Moussa Sene Absa (Senegal) a painter, writer, musician, and award-winning film director whose works have been celebrated at Carthage, FESPACO, and Berlinale, and whose paintings have been exhibited in Europe and North America.

·  Thabiso Molefe (South Africa) a media and communications professional with experience in television, public sector strategic communication, and political stakeholder engagement across the SADC region.

New board members: Top Left To Right: Dillion S. Phiri (Zimbabwe/Malawi), Enyinnaya Omeruah (Nigeria); Bottom Left To Right: Moussa Sene Absa (Senegal), Thabiso Molefe (South Africa) 

The Sub- Committee comprising Realness Alumni include:

·  Sales agent and independent consultant Berry Hahn (Madagascar,France)

·  Filmmaker and producer Godisamang Khunou (SA)

·  Screenwriter, director,and  producer, Kudi Maradzika (Zimbabwe, SA) who was recently named to Forbes Africa Over 30 Under 50 list.

·  Screenwriter with extensive experience working on live action shows, Omotunde Akiode, (Nigeria)

·  Director, artist, and founder of Kulunga Filmes, Lara Sousa (Mozambique)

·  Filmmaker and producer trained in fine arts, working across documentary and fiction,  Maéva Ranaïvojaona (Madagascar, France)

·  Filmmaker and producer  with extensive experience in production and film financing,, Mimi Bartels, (Nigeria)

·  Director, producer and writer Tapiwa Chipfupa (Zimbabwe)

·  Story development executive and producer Tshenolo Mabale  (SA)

Realness Alumni Advisory Council: Top Left To Right: Berry Hahn (Madagascar/France), Godisamang Khunou (South Africa), Kudi Maradzika (Zimbabwe/South Africa); Middle Left To Right: Lara Sousa (Mozambique),  Maéva Ranaïvojaona (Madagascar/ France), Mimi Bartels (Nigeria); Bottom Left To Right: Tapiwa Chipfupa (Zimbabwe), Omotunde Akiode (Nigeria), Tshenolo Mabale (South Africa)

“Across much of Africa, the near-absence of government support for film and television means filmmakers are left to shoulder every risk alone — and that's simply not sustainable.” says Mehret Mandefro, Managing Director and  co-founder of Realness Institute. “With a committed, skilled, and film-savvy Board now in place, and the deep experience of our Alumni Advisory Council Sub-Committee, we are ready to provide African screen talent with the structural support they deserve — the kind that makes sustainability inevitable."

For more information on the Realness Institute : https://www.realness.institute/

Realness Announces Participants for Second Edition of Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy

Nine female film industry professionals from Africa have been selected to participate in the second edition of the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy – a dynamic and innovative film industry development programme presented by Realness Institute in partnership with the Locarno Film Festival and with the support of The Story Board Collective.

The programme aims to support, upskill and network young film professionals working in distribution and sales, festival programming, theatrical exhibition, and other related sectors of the industry.

Participants of the 2023 Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy : Tope l-r: Lerato Bokako (South Africa), Nozipho Swelindawo (South Africa),  Abulele Njisane (South Africa), Middle l-r: Anga Mqingwana (South Africa), Khanyisile Zondi (South Africa), Lucinda Van de Rheede (South Africa), Bottom L-R: Seggen Mikael (Eritrea/ Germany), Taryn Joffe (South Africa), Victoria Ogar (Nigeria) 

The participants are:

Abulele Njisane (South Africa) - lecturer in Cinema Studies at the School of Arts, Media and Cultural Studies department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Lerato Bokako (South Africa) – film festival programmer and features writer.

Taryn Joffe (South Africa) - Festival Programmer and Industry Coordinator at Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, curator and writer. 

Anga Mqingwana (South Africa) -producer with Big World Cinema team in Cape Town as a Production and Distribution Co-ordinator.

Khanyisile Zondi (South Africa)- founder of Sinema Agency, a start-up specialising in film marketing, public relations, and distribution.

Nozipho Swelindawo (South Africa) - founder and co-director of Mbudu Community Art Centre. 

Victoria Ogar (Nigeria) - film account manager at Filmone Entertainment 

Lucinda Van de Rheede (South Africa) - entrepreneur, writer and freelance line producer and researcher.

Seggen Mikael (Eritrea/ Germany) - freelance cultural manager, programmer and writer, Film Festival Programmer at DOK.fest Munich and Industry Programmer at the European Film Market (Berlinale).

"We are thrilled to witness the Academy gearing up for this year’s edition during the highly anticipated FAME Week,” says Markus Duffner, Head of Locarno Pro, and Marion Klotz, Industry Academy Project Manager. “We love that all the selected participants are women, as the global film industry requires more female voices to be heard. We believe that this initiative will help propel young professionals into the vibrant tapestry of the local and international film industry network. We look forward to the transformative impact it will have on the next generation of filmmakers.”

“We believe this to be one of our most necessary industry initiatives,” says Elias Ribeiro co-founder and Executive Director of Realness Institute and Regional Manager of Locarno Southern Africa Industry Academy. “Before producers can deliver their content to African audiences through established and profitable distribution avenues on a large scale, we will remain dependent on the North structures. Our content is also worth less than in its primary market, where it is most relevant. The emergence of solid distribution operations is urgent and costly, so we need to innovate while we develop and build.”

The Locarno Southern Africa Industry Academy takes place during FAME Week Africa in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 to 9 September this year. FAME Week Africa is a growing platform for the development and networking of the creative industries on the continent.

"In the heart of MIP Africa at FAME Week Africa, the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy emerges as a transformative platform, empowering African film professionals to unlock their potential,” says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director: FAME Week Africa. “Through mentorship, networking, and curated programming, we pave the way for their journey into the global entertainment industry, celebrating diverse voices and captivating stories that will shape the future of African cinema.”

The participants will be given the opportunity to network with global experts, attend masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions. They will also contribute to curating the short film programme, under the mentorship of Academy alumnus Lyse Nsengiyumva (Rwanda) which will be showcased at The Labia Cinema in Cape Town from 7 to 9 September and will feature conversations with high-profile filmmakers and Q & A’s.

“As an alumnus of the first edition of the Academy, I’m thrilled and honoured to be part of this prestigious programme again, this time around as an artistic director of the Short Film Festival,” says Nsengiyumva. “I will be working closely with these professionals to curate a balanced and vibrant programme that promises to resonate with audiences. It is an extraordinary privilege to be involved with the Realness Institute which has been unwavering in its support of African cinema.

Victoria Ogar (Nigeria) says that she is looking forward to meeting new people, learning about new cultures through the films, and having a fulfilling experience.”The sheer magnitude of having to consider the films submitted at the festivals through a selection process to explore the audience's potential and satisfaction will be a lifetime achievement for my career growth in the film space."

“I hope to gain a  wider valuable network of African film professionals and that the programme will empower us to promote African cinema globally and elevate its presence on the international stage,” says Seggen Mikael (Eritrea/ Germany).

Khanyisile Zondi (South Africa) looks forward to gaining insights into distribution through the Academy to help affirm her vision to contribute towards the development of film in Africa: “My aspirations for the distribution industry revolve around fostering an inclusive ecosystem and leveraging technology to facilitate easier access for filmmakers across the continent to sales agents, aggregators, and distribution networks.”

Many mentors and experts will be supporting these young professionals in looking for systems and innovations in this distribution sector including amongst others Dennis Ruh (European Film Market Director), Pamela Bienzobas (Locarno Film Festival - member of the feature film selection committee), Lyse Nsengiyumva (International Film Festival Rotterdam Programmer), Constanza Arenas (Luz Agency and Marketing Expert), Sydelle Willow Smith (Sunshine Cinema), Claire Diao (Sudu Connexion) and Elias Ribeiro.

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