The Matatu Film Residency (MFR) is a prestigious month-long filmmaker-in-residence program that invites emerging and established filmmakers from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, and DR Congo. The program’s primary focus is to support East African filmmakers in developing feature-length documentary projects.

The program’s ultimate goal is to facilitate the development of high-quality projects from the East African film industry while promoting innovative and original narratives and foster collaboration between filmmakers, community members, and organizations worldwide.

The first edition of the MFR will happen from August to November 2024, where filmmakers from across East Africa will be invited to develop their skills and work on ambitious documentary projects in a supportive and collaborative environment. Throughout the month-long residency, participants will have access to resources and workspace, professional mentors, and industry experts to help them focus on their work, develop their projects, and build their networks within the industry.

We are actively seeking partners and sponsors to support us in accomplishing our goals for the residency this year.

The application process is free and fully online. For all our calls, All Applicants have to apply online via a provided link on the Film Possible website and must accept the terms and conditions for participating in the programme

Applicants will be shortlisted by a panel of Film Possible staff, strategic partners, and seasoned art practitioners. The quality of applicants will be based on the quality of their pitch, work/portfolio, as well as application answers. (i.e. the ability to adequately process and respond to the application questions) as well as their previous experience and history of developing artistic work and documentaries.

In addition, Applicants are required to upload the following documents: Download the full checklist here.

1. Eligible are applicants, who have a strong interest or experience in film with a documentary project in early development and:
2. Be able to communicate and work in English
3. Be an East African citizen
4. Must be available for the full duration of the residency.
5. Cover the costs of their data usage required to actively participate in online classes.
6. Cover the expenses associated with travel for in-person residency

By applying for the Matatu Film Residency, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please carefully read, understand, and agree to these terms before proceeding.

The Program is divided into two sections: an online and an in-person section. The online program will allow selected participants to attend online sessions with East African Industry experts and international film mentors. These experts will provide guidance and mentorship to the filmmakers, allowing them to develop their projects at an international level.

The program’s structure, divided into four weeks, over a four-month period, is designed to maximize the filmmakers’ learning and development. In the first week, the selected filmmakers will be introduced to their specific mentors, and the focus will be on getting to know the filmmakers and their stories. They will be taught about documentary filmmaking and also be tasked with assignments to help them develop their projects further. In the second week, the mentors will look at the assignments from the first week and provide advice and mentorship on how best to improve the projects.

The third week will focus on developing the project pitch trailer/teaser and written presentation. This will help the filmmakers present their projects in the most compelling way possible. Film Possible will also provide equipment to filmmakers to film trailers and pitch videos for their projects where possible. In the fourth week, the program will culminate in a physical, in-person lab where the filmmakers will meet their mentors in Uganda. The lab will allow the filmmakers to further develop their projects, and they will also learn about pitching and practice pitching within the residency’s supportive environment.

At the end of the program, Film Possible aims to have 7 documentary projects that are ready to meet funders and partners at different industry markets and platforms. The organization will leverage its networks to reach out to different African and international industry markets, funders and platforms and lobby them to fund or include these projects in their programmes. Film Possible will also help the filmmakers raise funds for their production through their Matatu Film Fund Initiative among other platforms. By providing mentorship, equipment, and networking opportunities, Film Possible hopes to empower filmmakers in the East African Community to tell their stories effectively and contribute to the social-economic growth of the regional film industry.

1. Supporting emerging and established filmmakers: The MFR offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers in East Africa to develop their skills, work on ambitious documentary projects, and collaborate with other filmmakers and industry experts. This support will help them to grow and gain recognition in the film industry, which will lead to more opportunities and funding for their future projects.
2. Developing high-quality documentary projects: By focusing on the development of feature-length documentary projects, the MFR helps East African filmmakers produce high-quality content that tells authentic and original stories. This will contribute to the diversity of perspectives in the film industry and challenge dominant narratives.
3. Fostering collaboration: The MFR provides a platform for filmmakers to collaborate with community members and organizations worldwide. This can lead to more meaningful and impactful storytelling that resonates with audiences beyond East Africa.
4. Building networks: Participants in the MFR will have access to professional mentors and industry experts, which will help them build their networks within the industry. This will lead to more opportunities for partnerships, funding, and distribution for their projects.
5. The program will establish a dynamic database of proficient and experienced filmmakers with the ability to elevate and progress the film industry in the East African Region, contributing to its economic and social advancement.