BERLINALE TALENTS
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. Berlinale Talents is the talent development programme of the Berlin International Film Festival — one of the three most prestigious film festivals in the world. Every year, exactly 200 emerging film professionals from across the globe are selected for a 6-day intensive programme of talks, workshops, project development labs, and networking during the Berlinale in February. Founded in 2003 by Berlinale Director Dieter Kosslick (originally called Berlinale Talent Campus), it now has over 10,000 alumni from 120+ countries. In 2026, 200 participants were selected from 3,438 applications worldwide. African selections in 2026 included: South African director/screenwriter Ryan Kruger, Nigerian director/screenwriter Dika Ofoma, Kenya-based Sudanese filmmaker Ibrahim Snoopy (also a Sundance alumnus), Kenyan editor/screenwriter Charity Kuria, plus filmmakers from Egypt and Ghana.
Deadline
NEXT CYCLE: opens approximately July/August 2026, closes approximately September 2026 (for February 2027 Berlinale).
Cost
FREE — No application fee
Format
Both. Open to 15 disciplines including screenwriting, directing (films and series), producing, editing, cinematography, sound design, and film criticism. Series creators explicitly welcome.
Eligibility
Film professionals worldwide. At least 1 feature film OR 2 short films OR 1 drama series/TV movie screened at festivals or widely streamed. No age or geography restrictions.
What You Get
No participation fee. One-on-one mentorship through the Berlinale Talents Lab (for alumni with projects in development). Access to the Talent Project Market. Full access to the Berlinale summit programme. Membership in a global alumni network of 10,000+ filmmakers. Some regional bodies offer travel grants for selected participants (e.g. British Council for UK-based participants).
What to Submit
Application form including script excerpt or work sample, biography, directing sample if applicable. All materials in English.
Insider Tips
Talents Durban (entry 01 in this guide) is the African satellite programme of Berlinale Talents, specifically designed for African filmmakers who may not yet qualify for the main Berlin programme. If you are not yet eligible for Berlinale Talents, start with Talents Durban. Note: Sudanese filmmaker Mohammed Alomda's feature Blue Card was selected for the Berlinale Co-Production Market in 2026.
Set a reminder for July/August 2026 to apply for the February 2027 Berlinale Talents.
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
Related Opportunities
Never miss a deadline like this
Weekly deadline alerts, new opportunities, and industry insights for African filmmakers.