AuthenticA Series Lab 2026–2027 — 5th Edition (African Series Writers)
The AuthenticA Series Lab is a six-month screenwriting programme run by the Realness Institute (South Africa) in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective (Switzerland), supported by Series Mania Forum and the Canada Media Fund. Now in its fifth edition, it supports four writers from across Africa and the diaspora to develop original series scripts. The programme combines online mentorship with two international residencies: a residency in Ethiopia (17–24 September 2026), weekly online development sessions, a residency in Geneva, Switzerland (January–March 2027), and culminates with a pitch at Series Mania in Lille, France (March 2027). Writers are mentored by Selina Ukwuoma (Story Consultant and Director of Writing Programmes) and Mehret Mandefro (Creative Producer and Managing Director, Realness Institute). Since inception, the lab has supported 15 African writers, with alumni in active co-production conversations with companies across the UK, France, Canada and the US.
Deadline
Saturday, 1 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST
Cost
Free to apply
Eligibility
- African screenwriters living in Africa or the African diaspora (the Canada Media Fund supports the participation of one African-Canadian writer)
- Story concept must be set in Africa; all genres welcome
- Age 18+; experience in film or television
- No producer/production company attachment necessary
- Programme delivered in English; application must be completed in English
- Must be willing to commit to the in-person residencies (Ethiopia, Switzerland, France) and weekly online sessions
What You Get
- Six months of intensive series development with dedicated mentors and international industry guest speakers
- Residency in Ethiopia (17–24 September 2026) and a two-month residency in Geneva, Switzerland (January–March 2027) — travel and accommodation covered
- Pitch your project at Series Mania 2027 (Lille, France) as part of the African Series Pitch
- Monthly stipend (previous editions: €1,000/month for the duration of the programme)
- Deliverables: a pitch deck and pilot script of international standard — writers retain full rights to all material developed
What to Submit
Original series project (any genre) set in Africa — see the application form on the Realness Institute website for full submission requirements.
Set a reminder for 25 July 2026 — one week before the 1 August 16:00 SAST deadline.
9 days left
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
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