Expedition Filmmaking Workshop

+ Wildscreen Festival Botswana

AFRISOS, in partnership with The Wilderness Project, brings another Expedition Filmmaking Workshop for young African filmmakers to explore the wild watersheds of our continent, uncover hidden stories, and develop their skills in community-driven nature storytelling.

This workshop is designed for passionate filmmakers that want to make their mark on the African short film scene while connecting deeply with the land and communities living alongside some of Africa's most iconic rivers.

This Expedition Filmmaking Workshop is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, grow and create as a storyteller.

We are selecting 5 filmmakers to join us on an expedition-style workshop in Botswana. This program will cover a broad range of filmmaking skills, from story development to production and post-production.

What You Will Learn

Participants will be fully immersed in the world of short documentary filmmaking, learning key skills including:

  • Storytelling: Developing compelling narratives about Africa’s rivers, nature, and the people who live alongside them.

  • Filmmaking Techniques: From shooting and directing to sound recording and camera operation.

  • Interviewing and Cultural Sensitivity: Master the art of conducting interviews with local communities while respecting cultural contexts.

  • Expedition Filmmaking: Experience the challenges and excitement of filming in the wild, from equipment maintenance to navigating the harsh conditions of remote environments.

  • Post-Production workflow: Learn how to edit really well and super fast following a strategic methodology.

What is Included?

  • All Expenses Paid: Your travel, accommodation, meals, and equipment are fully covered.

  • Paid Opportunity: Participants will receive a stipend to support their participation.

  • Mentorship & Training: Work alongside world-class filmmakers and wildlife experts. Learn everything from story structure to equipment maintenance, interviewing techniques, and post-production editing.

  • Real-World Experience: Not just a workshop, but a full expedition experience where you will be trained in authentic, hands-on filmmaking.

  • Potential for Future Work: Outstanding participants will be considered for future Great Spine Of Africa expeditions, offering a paid opportunity to work on ongoing wildlife conservation documentaries.

  • Attendance to Wildscreen Festival Botswana: Winners will receive a free pass to attend Wildscreen Festival Botswana joining other filmmakers and conservationists to delve into the natural world of storytelling.

Eligibility & Application Process

  • Age: You must be 18 years or older to apply.

  • Experience: This is not a program for beginners. We are seeking filmmakers who already know how to use a camera and have basic experience with filmmaking.

  • Nationality: You must be a citizen of an African country. While the program is open to filmmakers from across the continent, priority will be given to applicants from Tanzania, Rwanda and Botswana.

  • Passion & Curiosity: We are looking for filmmakers who are passionate about the intersection of nature and cultural heritage. Your work should demonstrate a genuine interest in telling authentic, meaningful stories that connect communities with their environment.

Ready to Apply?

Applications open: May 10th - May 20th, 2025

We look forward to receiving your application and seeing the world through your lens!