MATATU FILM RESIDENCY (MFR)
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.
STATUS QUO
The East African film industry has immense potential to contribute to regional social and economic growth, despite facing significant challenges such as a lack of essential infrastructure and support. While some films from the region have garnered international recognition and awards, many others remain obscure. The vast array of stories from Africa is a treasure trove for filmmakers, yet producing high-quality documentaries in the region is beset by numerous obstacles, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and limited distribution channels. Moreover, African documentary filmmakers often face censorship, government interference, and political instability, which hinders their ability to produce and distribute films. Additionally, these filmmakers struggle to gain recognition and exposure on the global stage, as many festivals and distribution companies prioritize films from more established film industries in the Global North.
To address these challenges, Film Possible’s Matatu Film Residency Program aims to provide a supportive environment for seven filmmakers across East Africa to develop their skills, collaborate with peers and community members, and gain exposure to new perspectives and ideas. This initiative seeks to fill the gap in support for filmmakers in the East African region, particularly those in the documentary genre, by promoting a more diverse and compelling range of films from the area. The residency program also aims to foster valuable partnerships and collaborations among organizations and practitioners in the East African film community and beyond by facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise, leading to new collaborations and initiatives that can further support the growth and sustainability of the film industry in the region.
HOW TO APPLY
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.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
- Eligible are applicants, who have a strong interest or experience in film with a documentary project in early development and:
- Be able to communicate and work in English
- Be an East African citizen
- Must be available for the full duration of the residency.
- Cover the costs of their data usage required to actively participate in online classes.
- 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.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
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.
THE IMPACT
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Please consider supporting our ongoing crowdfunding campaign to empower African filmmakers and amplify underrepresented voices in the East African film industry. With your help, we can make The Matatu Film Residency a reality and provide aspiring documentary filmmakers with the resources, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities they need to succeed. By donating to our campaign, you will be making a meaningful impact on the lives and careers of African filmmakers and contributing to the creation of a more diverse and inclusive film industry that reflects the richness and complexity of African experiences. Join us in this mission and help us tell the untold stories of East Africa. Donate now and make a difference!