Call for applications: 2020 MTN Bushfire short film festival

The screenings will showcase short films that focus on African music, musicians or similar topics on Saturday 30 May, while the Sunday screenings will focus on short films that reflect the values of MTN Bushfire’s social mandate: diversity, inclusion and tolerance.

The films will also highlight uplifting and impactful stories from across Africa in the areas of gender rights, environmentalism and sustainability, social development and justice.

The MTN Bushfire Short Film Celebration is curated by Lara Utian-Preston and Edima Otuokon, both of whom were involved with the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

“We are so excited to bring the film medium into the MTN Bushfire space in 2020,” Utian-Preston said. “The film festival categories, focused on music and social justice, have been designed to complement the vision and mission of MTN Bushfire. 

“While this year the festival will take place over just two morning sessions, we hope to grow it in scope and impact in order to promote African filmmakers, social justice advocates and musicians alike.”

MTN Bushfire festival director Jiggs Thorne said: “At MTN Bushfire we are always looking for new ways to activate our themes and social mandate as expressed through Bring Your Fire.

“In the last few years, we have added a visual arts zone and included live theatre and dance within the festival. It makes absolute sense for us to also start supporting and promoting the burgeoning African film industry. We are excited to host our first film festival and expect the event to grow over time.”

The following submission criteria will apply:

• Films must have been made after 2016.
• Only short films under 30 minutes will be accepted.
• At least 50% of the core film team, director and producer must be from Africa.
• Films must focus on category themes.
• Films should have a message that upholds the values of MTN Bushfire.

The application deadline is 31 March.

Submissions can be made here.

For more information, visit the MTN Bushfire official website.