Palmtrees Screenplay Development Incubator (with Neon)
A funded screenplay development incubator founded by former Netflix Africa executive Funa Maduka, in partnership with Neon (the studio behind Anora and Parasite). 8-10 writers from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Oceania are selected per cohort. Writers receive one-on-one story development with analysts, a three-week in-person residency, and compensation for participation. Selection is based on project strength, not prior credits.
Deadline
June 1, 2026
Verified 1 week ago
Cost
Free (writers are compensated)
Format
Feature Films (genre screenplays)
Eligibility
Screenwriters from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Oceania. All career stages welcome — no prior credits required.
What You Get
Funded development support, one-on-one story analyst sessions, three-week in-person residency, writer compensation, and a development pipeline to Neon — one of the most successful indie distributors in the world.
What to Submit
A treatment and the first 15 pages of a feature-length genre screenplay.
Insider Tips
Focus on a compelling, original genre story rooted in your region. The selection committee values project strength over CV. Make those 15 pages count — strong voice, clear stakes, genre confidence.
Applications open March 31, 2026. Deadline: June 1, 2026.
Applications are closed
This opportunity is no longer accepting applications. Browse open opportunities
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