AFRISOS

Opportunities Spotlight

AU–EU Youth Voices Lab: Lens of Change

This program recruits young filmmakers to produce short documentaries and media content that highlight youth led advocacy and social change. It is open to creatives aged 18 to 35 from Africa and Europe who will be selected to join the network and work on projects.

Funding available: €765 to €1,800 per project.

Deadline: Unspecified

African Studies Association: Sembène-Kelani Film Prize

Gain international recognition for your film through this prize honoring African filmmakers exploring social, political, and cultural issues. Open to feature length fiction or documentary films made in the past two years by African directors.

Funding available: $500 plus travel and event support.

Deadline: 30 April 2026

First Cut Lab Doha 2026

Strengthen your feature film in post production through an intensive editing lab that offers tailored feedback, mentorship, and industry guidance to refine both the creative and commercial potential of your project. Open to filmmakers worldwide with fiction or documentary films in the editing stage.

Deadline: 3 May 2026

Canon Female Photojournalist Grant

Receive recognition for your contribution to photojournalism through a grant that supports continued work on a social, political, economic, or cultural issue. Open to professional women photojournalists worldwide.

Funding available: €8,000 to support production of the selected project.

Deadline: 19 May 2026

Pulitzer Center: Rainforest Investigations Network

Investigate the root causes of deforestation through a year long fellowship focused on climate, corruption, and global supply chains. Open to experienced investigative journalists working on stories in the Amazon, Congo Basin, or Southeast Asia.

Funding available: Salary support (amount varies by country and experience).

Deadline: 22 May 2026

National Geographic Society: Illuminating Climate Solutions

Advance climate storytelling that highlights real world solutions, resilience, and innovation through documentary, photography, journalism, or multimedia projects. Open to storytellers worldwide working on climate focused narratives with strong local grounding and global relevance.

Funding available: Up to $100,000 per project.

Deadline: 25 May 2026

Canon Documentary: Video Short Film Grant

Broaden your professional network and strengthen your producing expertise through a five day residential film development lab featuring hands on workshops and one on one sessions with local and international industry mentors.

Support provided: Travel, visa support, accommodation, and meals.

Deadline: 25 May 2026

Canon Documentary: Video Short Film Grant

Produce a short documentary on a social, cultural, political, or economic issue with support for development and international festival exposure. Open to professional videographers and photojournalists worldwide.

Funding available: €8,000 grant + loan of video kit.

Deadline: 27 May 2026

Invisible Borders: The Trans-African Road Trip

Join a trans-African artistic road trip that explores borders, movement, and identity through collaborative storytelling and long form creative exchange. Open to artists, writers, photographers, filmmakers, and researchers from Africa and beyond.

Funding available: Daily per diems for all participants; core participants' travel expenses may be covered.

Deadline: 31 May 2026

Black Film Space X cliveRd

Develop a narrative proof of concept short film that explores nature as a central element in storytelling, while receiving funding, access to a filming location in Jamaica, and industry support from Black Film Space and cliveRd. Open to independent Black filmmakers working in scripted narrative film.

Funding available: $8,000 grant

Deadline: 31 May 2026

The Film Fund: Narrative Short Film Contest

Write a one sentence pitch to fund your short film and join a global community of independent filmmakers working to bring bold stories to life. Open to creators worldwide working on fiction or documentary short film projects.

Funding available: Up to $10,000 in production funding for selected short films

Deadline: 2 June 2026

SFFILM Documentary Film Fund

Advance your feature length documentary through post production support that helps bring bold, character driven stories to completion with a strong visual and narrative approach. Open to documentary filmmakers worldwide with films in post production.

Funding available: $10,000 to $20,000 per project.

Deadline: Multiples (Please Visit Link)

Rainforest Trust Climate Action Fund

Support the creation and expansion of protected areas that safeguard biodiversity, endangered species, and climate critical ecosystems. It is open to registered NGOs working with Indigenous communities and governments on conservation projects in high impact regions.

Funding available: Starting at $250,000

Deadline: 1 July 2026

Pas Production and Storytelling: Nantes workshop

Develop your feature film project through an international co production workshop offering mentorship, masterclasses, and the chance to pitch to industry professionals at the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes. Open to emerging producers and directors from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Deadline: 10 July 2026

Lucie Foundation Scholarship Program

Receive recognition and financial support for original photography projects that push the boundaries of fine art and documentary storytelling. Open to professional and emerging photographers worldwide working across genres.

Funding available: Up to $3,000 cash grants, plus additional prizes and global exhibition opportunities.

Deadline: 30 Sept 2026