UNESCO, Netflix announce short-film contest in sub-Saharan Africa

Global streaming platform in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have announced a short film contest for filmmakers in sub-Saharan Africa.

The new competition themed 'African Folktales, Reimagined’ will offer six winners resources to develop their talents on a global scale with international mentorship, $75,000 production budget and $25,000 in prize money to develop their short film.

Confirming the competition, Unesco's assistant Director-General for culture, Ernesto Ottone, said the organization had approached Netflix as part of the continent's first comprehensive mapping of the film and audiovisual industries.

“What we’re trying to achieve with [Netflix] … is how we can engage those young film-makers in telling stories of African folk and in passing on through the generations the culture and the traditions that are in place in Africa.

"To do this, partnering with a platform on the global scale of Netflix was vital to ensure visibility," Ottone said.

Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s director of content in Africa said: “Africa has a rich storytelling heritage and a wealth of folktales that have been passed down for generations. When you marry these very local stories with Africa’s emerging talent, there is no limit to fresh new stories to connect people with African cultures and bring the world that much closer to each other.”

To be considered, applicants are directed to provide a 500-word description of their proposal, as well as links to evidence of audiovisual work they have produced. The contest will be open until November 14, 2021.