AUTHENTICA SERIES LAB (Realness Institute)
The AuthenticA Series Lab is Realness Institute’s six-month programme for African episodic screenwriters, developed and delivered in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, with support from the Canada Media Fund, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Series Mania Forum (Europe’s largest co-production series market and festival), and the French Embassy in South Africa. Now in its 4th edition (completed March 2026), it is explicitly designed to elevate African episodic storytelling to the global stage. The programme spans three countries across two continents: South Africa, Switzerland, and France — culminating in selected writers pitching their projects live at the African Series Pitch at Series Mania Forum in Lille, which is integrated into the main Series Mania Forum (see entry 14 in this guide). This creates a direct pipeline from African development to Europe’s biggest series co-production market. Writers retain full intellectual property rights throughout. The Canada Media Fund funds one place per cohort specifically for a Canadian writer from the African diaspora.
[Enriched 2026-04-21] Realness's episodic-content sister programme. Current cohort runs Sept 2025 → 27 March 2026 (wrapping). Fourth-edition African screenwriters selected this cycle. Next call expected mid-year 2026.
Deadline
4th edition (Sep 2025–Mar 2026) now concluded. NEXT CYCLE (5th edition): Call expected to open approximately May–June 2026, with applications closing July 2026, for a programme running September 2026–March 2027. Watch realness.institute/authentica-series-lab.
Cost
s for all three residencies are covered by programme funders. Cost FREE to apply. All residency costs (travel, accommodation in South Africa, Switzerland, and France) are covered. Writers must commit to the time requirements: 8–10 days in South Africa, 2 months in Switzerland, 1 week in France, plus online sessions.
Format
Series and episodic content only. All genres: drama, comedy, thriller, sci-fi, and others. Stories must be set in Africa. Delivered in English; works may be in English and/or a local African language. Not for feature films (see 29a) or documentaries.
Eligibility
African screenwriters working in any genre of scripted episodic storytelling. Story concept must be set in Africa. Programme is delivered in English; applicants must work in English. Must commit to all three residencies plus online sessions. Three writers are selected from the African continent; one place is reserved for a Canadian writer from the African diaspora (funded separately by Canada Media Fund). Previous cohorts: 1st edition 2023 (inaugural); 2nd edition 2024 — Tiah Beye (Sénégal/Côte d’Ivoire), Wanjiru Kairu (Kenya), Kelly-Eve Koopman (South Africa), Moreetsi Gabang (Botswana); 3rd edition 2024–25; 4th edition 2025–2026 — Gamel Apalayine (Ghana), Jola’dé Olusanya (Nigeria-UK), Mona Ombogo (Kenya), Reem Morsi (Egypt-Canada). Track Record Series Mania General Director Laurence Herszberg stated after the first pitches: “AuthenticA Series Lab pitches have been a great success and have demonstrated the interest of the international industry in projects coming from Africa.” 4th edition alumnus Gamel Apalayine (Ghana) subsequently received an MFA offer at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. The Canada Media Fund’s Director of Growth and Inclusion Jessica Lea Fleming noted the lab “empowers storytellers... by developing skills that boost careers, grow companies, and increase market access.” The direct connection to Series Mania Forum (entry 14 in this guide) means selected writers pitch live to international broadcasters and streamers at Europe’s biggest series market — a commercial platform that very few African writers have historically been able to access.
What You Get
Six months of structured development combining online and in-person sessions at three international locations. Residency 1: 8–10 days in Cape Town, South Africa (September). Online sessions through to mid-December. Residency 2: 2-month stay in Geneva, Switzerland (January–March). Residency 3: GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICAN FILM & SERIES MAKERS | 2025/2026 EDITION | Updated March 2026 Compiled March 2026 directed by Cati Weinek with Fab Claude.. Always verify deadlines and eligibility on official programme websites before applying. Week-long industry immersion at Series Mania in Lille, France (March), culminating in a live pitch at the African Series Pitch to international broadcasters, distributors, streamers, and co-producers. Mentorship throughout from the Managing Director and Director of Writing Programmes. Each writer produces: a full pilot script, a pitch deck, and a series bible. Full travel and accommodation
Watch realness.institute from May–June 2026 for the 5th AuthenticA Series Lab call. Applications historically close July. Note the direct link with entry 14 (Series Mania Forum Co-Pro Pitch) in this guide — AuthenticA alumni pitch there as part of the African Series Pitch.
Applications are closed
This opportunity is no longer accepting applications. Browse open opportunities
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