Open Call for NFVF Female Filmmaker Project – South Africa

Annually, they bring together ten talented women, fostering diversity and creativity within the film industry.

Joining the project provides a rare opportunity for female filmmakers to advance their careers with mentorship, support, and professional training. Under the award-winning production company’s guidance, participants enhance their skills, connect with fellow filmmakers, and gain visibility through screenings and festivals. The Female Filmmaker Project is a pivotal resource for women aiming to elevate their careers in the dynamic world of filmmaking.

The 2024 Theme: Theme: Love Is a Mystery

• What does love mean to you? Is it a puzzle waiting to be solved, a journey into the unknown, or a secret whispered in the night? They encourage you to interpret the theme in the most creative and unexpected ways possible. Whether it’s a romance, a thriller that explores the darker facets of passion, or a comedy that finds humour in the absurdity of love, they’re eager to experience your unique perspective.
• In the 2024 leg of the Female Filmmaker Project, they’re embarking on a journey to unravel the mysteries of love. Love is a multifaceted concept that defies easy explanation, and they’re inviting filmmakers to delve into its enigmatic depths through their unique lens. Whether it’s a romance that transcends time and space, a thriller that delves into the darker aspects of passion, or a comedy that finds hilarity in the absurdities of love, they’re eager to explore the myriad interpretations of this timeless theme.
• Key Concepts:
  • Puzzle of Love: Is love a puzzle waiting to be solved? They invite filmmakers to conceptualise love as a complex enigma, where characters embark on a quest to unravel its mysteries. Perhaps their protagonists stumble upon a series of cryptic clues that lead them to discover the true nature of love, or maybe they find themselves lost in a labyrinth of emotions where every twist and turn reveals a new facet of this perplexing puzzle.
  • Journey into the Unknown: Love often takes them on unexpected journeys, leading them into uncharted territory where anything is possible. Through this concept, filmmakers have the opportunity to explore love as an adventure into the unknown, where characters venture into unexplored realms of the heart in search of connection, meaning, and understanding. Whether it’s a chance encounter that changes the course of their lives or a daring quest to find true love in the most unlikely of places, the possibilities are endless.
  • Secret Whispers in the Night: Love is often shrouded in secrecy, with whispered confessions and hidden desires fuelling the flames of passion. In this concept, filmmakers can delve into the clandestine world of love, where secrets lurk in the shadows and forbidden desires simmer beneath the surface. Perhaps their protagonists find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal, where uncovering the truth means risking everything they hold dear. Or maybe they stumble upon a long-forgotten secret that threatens to tear their world apart, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of love in all its complexity.
• Overall, they’re seeking bold and imaginative interpretations of the theme “Love Is a Mystery” that push the boundaries of storytelling and challenge conventional notions of romance.
• Whether it’s a tale of star-crossed lovers, a gripping thriller, or a side-splitting comedy, they’re excited to see how filmmakers bring their unique perspective to this timeless theme. Let’s unravel the mysteries of love together and create cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences around the world.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following requirements must be met in order for a filmmaker to be eligible for this opportunity:
  • Possess at least two years of experience in the industry.
  • Belong to a historically disadvantaged group as defined by the Constitution of South Africa.
  • Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of at least 9-months to complete the programme. There will be no stipend paid out to successful participants.
• Note: This programme is exclusively for female filmmakers with some industry experience. Only fictional narrative scripts will be considered.

For more information, visit NFVF.