Final submission call for filmmakers at FAME Week Africa 2025

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As the vibrant city of Cape Town gears up to welcome FAME Week Africa from 1–6 September 2025, the focus is set on the rich tapestry of African storytelling and the vital platforms that present these narratives to a global audience. Filmmakers, producers, and content creators still have time to shine, as the submission deadlines for two cornerstone opportunities—the Inclusive Lens Awards and the MIP Africa Project Pitch Platform—draw near, with a cut-off date of 13 June 2025.

Inclusive Lens Awards: Honouring Diversity in Storytelling

Building on its successful inauguration in 2024, the Inclusive Lens Awards will return to FAME Week Africa, seeking to honour outstanding storytelling that highlights underrepresented voices and promotes inclusivity within the film and television landscape. Taking place on 2 September as part of the MIP Africa programme, these awards will shine a light on content that promotes diversity, with notable categories recognising LGBTQ+ representation, disability awareness, and engaging narratives for young audiences.

Martin Hiller, FAME Week Africa’s Portfolio Director, passionately describes the mission of the awards: “The Inclusive Lens Awards are designed to reward exceptional efforts in representing diversity and shifting perspectives.” He continues, “We’re looking for stories that challenge stereotypes, model equality, and reflect the complexity of African lives.”

To be eligible for consideration, works must have been produced between 1 January 2024 and 31 May 2025, having been screened publicly through broadcast, streaming, cinema, or festivals. Award categories include:

Best LGBTQ+ Representation
Best Disability Representation
Best Diversity and Inclusion Representation for Young Audiences

Submission guidelines and further details can be found at: Inclusive Lens Awards Submission Page.

MIP Africa Project Pitch Platform: Where Innovators Connect

The MIP Africa Project Pitch Platform offers an invaluable opportunity for creatives with a compelling idea—whether scripted, factual, animated, or format-based—to showcase their projects to commissioning editors, investors, and buyers from Africa and beyond. Selected projects will engage in closed pitching sessions during MIP Africa, set to run from 1–3 September 2025.

Recognised as the continent’s premier content market, MIP Africa aims to facilitate real deals and foster industry growth. “If you’re looking for co-production partners, development funding or distribution opportunities, MIP Africa is where it all begins,” adds Hiller. “We’ve already seen fully commissioned shows come directly from previous pitching sessions.”

Projects at any development stage are encouraged to apply, with selected entrants gaining access to industry networks and crucial feedback from decision-makers in the global screen sector. Submissions for this platform are open at: MIP Africa Pitch Submission Page.

Key Pitch Dates:

Submissions Close: 13 June 2025
Pitch Dossier Released: 3 August 2025
Live Pitching Sessions: 1–3 September 2025

As FAME Week Africa 2025 prepares to embrace inclusive narratives and innovative formats, the event stands committed to championing African content creators while connecting them to the global film and television industry. Whether you’re showcasing diverse experiences or gearing up to present your next visionary idea, these two opportunities provide the perfect platform to step into the limelight.