Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 edition of the UNESCO and Tamayouz Cinema Foundation Residency. Supported by funding from the People’s Republic of China, this collaborative initiative between UNESCO and the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation invites ten up-and-coming African women filmmakers to participate in a six-week immersive filmmaking experience in Morocco. Aligned with the principles of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the programme is designed to cultivate talent, provide creative mentorship, and facilitate valuable connections across the African film landscape.

The residency will take place in the Moroccan cities of Rabat and Marrakech, running from 15 September to 27 October 2025. Under the guidance of celebrated filmmakers Abderrahmane Sissako and Hicham Lasri, the participants will benefit from professional coaching and hands-on experience. During the residency, each filmmaker will conceptualize, shoot, and complete their own short film while working collaboratively with fellow creatives from diverse regions of Africa.

Eligible applicants must identify as female, be nationals of an African country, and fall within the age range of 21 to 35 years by the start of the programme. Candidates should have a minimum of two years’ experience in the film or audiovisual sector and must have previously written and directed at least one narrative film—whether short, medium-length, or feature—that has ideally been screened at festivals or aired publicly. Fluency in either English or French is also required, as the programme will be conducted in these languages. One participant will be chosen from each African sub-region to ensure balanced regional representation.

Those selected will receive comprehensive support including round-trip travel to Morocco, assistance with visa applications, local transport, meals, and lodging throughout the residency. In addition, each participant will receive production funding to bring their film concept to life, along with a daily stipend to cover personal expenses.

The initiative will begin with virtual preparatory sessions from August to early September, followed by the in-person residency in Morocco, which will progress through development, planning, filming, and post-production phases. After the residency concludes, participants will engage in online follow-up activities through December. The programme also provides multiple opportunities for networking, aiming to help participants establish long-lasting industry relationships that can advance their creative careers.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity