Open call: Fame Week Africa pitching competition for SA filmmakers with disabilities

The competition is open to emerging and established filmmakers and screen storytellers with disabilities who are based in South Africa. Applicants can submit original projects across film, television and digital platforms.

Eligible projects include:

• Feature films, including fiction, documentary and animation.
• Television or digital series, including fiction, documentary and animation.
• Projects at the concept, development or early packaging stage.
• Projects across any genre or subject matter.

Projects do not have to focus on disability. The organisers say the competition is intended to give filmmakers with disabilities the freedom to develop and pitch stories across different genres and subjects.

Applicants are required to submit a biography and a project pitch outlining their concept, creative vision and intended audience. An independent panel of industry professionals will assess submissions based on originality, storytelling potential, clarity of vision, artistic and commercial viability, and the filmmaker's ability to take the project to market.

Up to five finalists will be selected to pitch their projects in person at FAME Week Africa in Cape Town on 28 October 2026. Finalists will receive accreditation to the event, giving them access to networking opportunities, market sessions and potential connections with producers, commissioners, distributors and other industry professionals.

The winner will receive R50,000 in financial support from the NFVF. The funding is intended to help address accessibility-related barriers associated with developing and producing audio-visual content.

“Inclusion isn't achieved by simply inviting people into the room, it comes from creating genuine opportunities for filmmakers to be seen, heard and connected to the industry,” FAME Week Africa portfolio director Martin Hiller said.

DAWN founder Karen Jeynes said: “Filmmakers with disabilities have always had stories worth telling, yet too often they’ve lacked access to the platforms, networks and opportunities that help projects move forward.”

NFVF representative Nadine Cloete said: “We wish all the participants the very best and trust this initiative will be one that removes barriers to access.”

Key dates

• Application deadline: 9 October 2026
• Finalists announced: 16 October 2026
• Live pitches at FAME Week Africa: 28 October 2026
• Winner announced: 29 October 2026
• Prize: R50 000 in NFVF financial support

Applications can be submitted through the competition’s online application form.