Step into the world of storytelling. This orientation lesson introduces you to the heart of filmmaking, essential film language, and the exciting storytelling formats you’ll explore throughout the program. Your journey as a filmmaker starts right here.

Before cameras, there were stories — sung, danced, and remembered. Get on a journey through Africa’s ancient storytelling traditions, from griots and masquerades to fire-circle fables. You’ll discover how film is not the beginning of storytelling, but its latest expression.

Travel through time and witness how cinema evolved—from the silent film era to the rise of African storytellers taking back their narratives. This lesson explores how history, politics, and technology shaped global filmmaking and how African cinema turned resistance into creativity.

In this lesson, you will learn the magic of visual storytelling—the skill of using images, light, color, and movement to make your audience feel something. You’ll learn how to “show” emotion through visuals rather than “tell” through words, and discover how this power has always existed in African life and art.

This is your creative playground! In Lesson 5, you’ll train your eyes and emotions to see stories visually. Through ten fun, hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to express feeling, rhythm, and story using only images, color, light, and composition — before you ever press “record.

Learn how to craft a story that resonates with a global audience while preserving your African authenticity and identity. 6 core elements of storytelling — from context and character to emotion and conflict — showing you how to craft narratives that resonates with a global audiences.

Every great film begins with a single spark — an idea. In this lesson, you will learn 5 powerful ways to find that unique story only you can tell. And get introduced to your Logline + Story + 3 Acts + Treatment.

In this lesson, learn simple ways to make your story resonate with international audiences without losing your African voice. You’ll learn how emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and cinematic structure can make your local story universal — and practice through two creative storytelling exercises.

From the ancient griots of Mali to modern Hollywood filmmakers, every great story follows a rhythm — beginning, middle, and end. In this lesson, Joadre breaks down the classic 3-act structure, showing you how to shape your film so it captures hearts, sustains tension, and delivers emotional impact — all while keeping your African storytelling roots alive.

Stories shape how the world sees Africa — and how Africans see themselves. Learn to reclaim your voice, challenge old narratives, and step into your power as a modern griot. You’ll discover why telling African stories isn’t just art — it’s an act of liberation.

You don’t need fancy equipment to make a powerful film — just a strong story and creativity. In this lesson, you will learn how to tell cinematic stories with minimal resources, using your phone, natural light, and collaboration to create authentic and moving visuals.

Modern stories shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. In this lesson, you will learn how to find and tell powerful present-day stories — from innovators and farmers to changemakers in your own community — and turn them into creative, inspirational narratives that move people.

How to thrive and grow in the global film industry. What truly makes a strong film industry? The US and Europe had a heads start, so where do we fit in as African filmmakers?

Storytelling is art — but it’s also business. In this lesson, you will learn how to transform your creative projects into multiple sources of income. From film screenings to merchandise, workshops, and even licensing deals with airlines, you’ll learn to think like a storyteller and an entrepreneur.

Storytelling is beyond art — From film screenings to merchandise, workshops, and even licensing deals with airlines, you’ll learn to think like a storyteller and an entrepreneur.

In a growing creative industry, your style is your fingerprint. This lesson helps you discover your personal storytelling brand — what makes your work recognizable, memorable, and meaningful. You’ll learn how to define your voice, attract the right opportunities, and build trust with your audience.

Discover how to turn simple ideas into powerful films using free or low-cost AI tools. Learn how African filmmakers can write, shoot, edit, and market professional-quality stories without expensive gear or big crews.

Learn how to use AI as a powerful creative ally to spark ideas, build worlds, and amplify uniquely African stories. This lesson shows you how AI supports your imagination while you remain the true storyteller.

Learn how to talk to AI in a way that gives you rich, original story ideas rooted in African culture. This lesson shows you how to craft better prompts and build vibrant story worlds with depth, conflict, and emotion.

It’s time to bring it to life with characters who feel real, emotional, and rooted in your culture. Learn how to use AI to brainstorm characters and shape authentic dialogue while keeping your unique voice at the center.

Learn how to organize your story using the three-act structure and turn your outline into a script. This lesson shows you how AI can help you draft scenes quickly — while you refine the emotion, culture, and authenticity.

Bring your script to life before filming begins. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use AI image tools to design locations, characters, moods, and the overall visual identity of your story.

Documentary storytelling is about truth, and AI can help you uncover, organize, and shape that truth faster. Learn how to use AI for research, structure, transcription, and story development — while keeping your voice and integrity at the center.

This lesson explores how AI can help you design powerful soundscapes and emotional moments — and why ethical responsibility and ownership matter more than ever in modern storytelling.

This final lesson looks ahead at how AI is reshaping storytelling across the continent — giving African creators the freedom to build worlds, produce films, and share authentic stories without needing massive budgets.

In this final lesson, we will briefly explore how Joana used AI to create a hybrid documentary - Custodians of the Red Gold. We follow the process from ideation to assembly.

The global film industry is not one big open door. It’s layered. Are there still gatekeepers? Learn how the global film market and industry is shaped and Africa's uniaue position.

Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter, director, or producer, understanding how to craft a compelling film deck is essential to turning your idea into fruition. Learn the backstory, what a package is and begin to build your own deck.

A filmmaker presents a striking visual package that captures the essence of their story, using a sharp, emotionally charged logline and key project details to instantly engage decision-makers and demonstrate clarity, vision, and momentum.

Learn how to craft a compelling story page and director’s statement for your film. Write a clear synopsis that shows structure, stakes, and character journey, and express your vision with authenticity and purpose. This guide helps you communicate your story, emotional intent, and cultural perspective while maintaining clarity, professionalism, and strong narrative impact.

A filmmaker defines the emotional and visual identity of their film through tone, mood, and key references, using curated visuals and strategic benchmarks to align collaborators, position the project in the market, and clearly communicate its audience, style, and cinematic world.

A filmmaker strengthens their pitch by showcasing a credible team, clear contact points, and a confident closing, while structuring the deck strategically to remain concise, impactful, and adaptable—ensuring the project feels professional, trustworthy, and ready for collaboration or investment.

A filmmaker builds a compelling film package by shaping unforgettable characters, defining casting and production vision, and presenting a clear path to execution, while demonstrating emotional impact, cultural relevance, and market potential to convince collaborators and investors why the story matters and deserves to be made.

A practical guide to designing a film pitch deck that doesn’t just explain your story, but embodies it — emotionally, visually, and professionally.

Let us demystify film labs, cohorts, and residencies, guiding emerging African filmmakers through the invisible systems that shape global cinema and showing how these spaces transform raw stories into internationally viable films.

Enter the global film financing market by understanding that money follows structured packages, not just powerful stories, and by navigate the full financing cycle—from development to revenue—to sustain your film career.

Learn how to accesses international funding and structure a smart financing strategy—combining public funds, industry partners, private investment, and creative alternatives to turn their film into a viable, fundable project.

Manage finances with discipline, navigate global systems strategically, and positioning your work through the right international doors—balancing cultural authenticity with market awareness, without losing their voice.

A filmmaker uses AI with intention and responsibility, guiding it to reflect authentic cultural truth while understanding ownership and legal boundaries, and by mastering essential contracts, protects their story, finances, and collaborations—ensuring their work remains ethical, professional, and built for long-term sustainability.

Understand key film agreements like MOUs, deal memos, talent contracts, and letters of intent or commitment. This lesson shows when to use each, helping you avoid misunderstandings, secure collaborations, and protect your film legally from development through distribution.

Learn essential film contracts like co-production and acquisition agreements, and how they define ownership, revenue, and distribution rights. This lesson helps filmmakers avoid costly mistakes, protect their work, and ensure their film is legally ready for international markets and partnerships.

Learn how film festivals build your career beyond screenings. This lesson reveals tiers, strategy, and positioning—helping you use festivals for credibility, visibility, and real industry opportunities instead of submitting blindly.

Understand how global film festivals are structured and why it matters. Learn to choose the right mix of prestige, industry, and regional festivals to avoid waste and build your film career strategically.

Before submitting to festivals, gain clarity on your film’s identity. Define its genre, tone, audience, and experience to position it correctly and increase your chances of selection and impact.

Learn why your film’s premiere is critical to festival success. Discover how to protect it, avoid early release mistakes, and strategically position your film for maximum visibility and opportunity.

Learn how to build a focused festival submission list that balances ambition and realism. Target the right festivals, plan your budget early, and position your film strategically for better outcomes.

Learn how to submit your film the right way using platforms like FilmFreeway and Festhome, avoiding common mistakes and presenting your work professionally to increase your chances of selection.

Learn how to write a strong logline and clear synopsis that make your film easy to understand, emotionally engaging, and professionally positioned for festival submissions and industry attention.

Learn how to write an authentic director’s statement that clearly expresses your voice, purpose, and connection to your story—helping festivals understand not just your film, but you as a filmmaker.

Learn how to craft a producer’s statement that shows execution, problem-solving, and strategy—demonstrating how your film was made, where it’s headed, and why you’re a filmmaker who can deliver.

Learn how to create a strong film poster and trailer that capture attention instantly. Present your film clearly, build curiosity, and make selection committees want to watch your work.

Learn how to plan and control your festival submission budget, avoid overspending, and prioritise strategically—so you maximise results, protect your resources, and position your film for smarter success.

Learn how to review your film submission professionally, avoid costly mistakes, and manage the waiting process. Stay prepared, handle rejections, and respond confidently to selections as part of your filmmaking journey.

Learn how to handle festival rejection without losing momentum. Turn setbacks into strategy by analysing feedback, refining your approach, and staying consistent to grow as a filmmaker and build long-term success.

Learn how to maximise your festival selection by building connections, increasing visibility, and creating momentum. Turn screenings into long-term opportunities, credibility, and career growth through strategy, presence, and follow-up.

Learn how to create a clear film finance strategy by aligning your story, audience, and funding sources—so you can move from idea to execution with confidence and real financial direction.

Learn how global film financing works across grants, investors, co-productions, and more. Discover how to combine funding sources and position your film internationally to access opportunities beyond your local market.

Learn how to structure a professional film budget across all production stages, avoid costly mistakes, and present your project in a globally recognised format that builds trust with partners and investors.

Learn how to read and structure a professional film budget, from above-the-line to contingency, and make smarter financial decisions that strengthen your film’s execution and credibility.

Learn how film grants work, what funders look for, and how to position your project strategically—so you can access funding, avoid common mistakes, and build momentum for your film.

Learn how to craft a clear, strategic film funding application by aligning your story, vision, and execution—so funders understand, trust, and believe in your ability to deliver.

Learn how to access film grants strategically by timing applications, building momentum, and creating a funding pathway—so you move beyond random submissions and develop a structured, long-term financing plan.

Learn how co-productions and international partnerships expand your film’s funding, reach, and credibility. Discover how to collaborate strategically, access global resources, and position your project beyond local limitations.

Learn how to approach investors, present your film as a clear opportunity, and structure deals effectively—so you can access private financing and build strong, aligned partnerships to fund your project.

Discover alternative ways to fund your film through crowdfunding, brand partnerships, and community support. Learn how to combine creative strategies to unlock resources and move your project forward independently.

Learn how to combine funding sources into a clear financing plan, align budget and timing, and present a structured path that turns your film from an idea into a fundable project.

Learn how films make money, from recoupment to revenue streams. Understand how to plan income early, structure payouts, and build a sustainable filmmaking career beyond just creating projects.

Shift your mindset from scarcity to strategy. Learn how to approach film financing with clarity, structure, and confidence to build sustainable careers and access global opportunities as an African filmmaker.

You’ve built the foundation. Now take the next step into guided development, feedback, and execution—so your film idea doesn’t stay a dream, but grows into a real project.

Learn how to adapt global film budgets to African contexts by balancing structure with local realities—ensuring your production stays realistic, efficient, and professional without compromising quality or sustainability.

Learn the difference between a completed screenplay and a polished, production-ready script—so you can refine your work, align vision with execution, and confidently present your film to industry decision-makers.

In this lesson, we take you through a step-by-step process on how to craft your logline.

Explore a curated list of 36 empires, kingdoms, and cultures — each a doorway into the vast imagination, technology, and legacy of our ancestors.