Deadline: Unspecified
The British Council Film Lab Africa 2026 is a flagship film and television accelerator programme designed to support, train, and showcase a new generation of African storytellers. Delivered in Nigeria, this programme focuses on strengthening scripted episodic storytelling for screen and television, while building sustainable careers for emerging creatives.
The British Council Film Lab Africa 2026 builds on previous successful editions, offering a structured pathway from story development to production, showcasing, and industry engagement.
About the Programme
Film Lab Africa is the British Council’s primary film and TV development initiative in Nigeria. The 2026 edition is themed Story Lab, with a strong emphasis on episodic content, compelling storytelling, and professional development for writers, directors, and producers.
The programme brings together creatives from Nigeria with industry experts from Nigeria and the UK, creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, funding, and international exposure.
Programme Structure and Phases
The programme is delivered across six key phases, designed to support participants from idea development through to production and showcasing.
1. Scriptwriters’ Online Training
- Selection of 30 scriptwriters for virtual training sessions.
- Focus areas include storytelling fundamentals, character development, episodic writing, series formatting, pitching, and sustainability in the screen industry.
2. Writers’ Residency and Story Lab
- 15 writers are selected from the online cohort to participate in an in-person residency.
- The residency takes place in Lagos or London.
- Participants receive intensive mentorship and collaborative story development support.
3. Filmmakers’ Online Training
- 60 filmmakers (directors and producers) participate in online capacity-building sessions.
- Training covers episodic content creation, project packaging, pitching, inclusive storytelling, and professional practice.
4. Production and Grant Support
- Selected filmmakers receive production grants to develop pilot episodes.
- Participants are supported through the entire script-to-screen process with expert guidance.
5. Showcasing and Distribution
- Completed projects are showcased locally and internationally.
- Opportunities include industry screenings, pitching sessions, and festival exposure.
6. Industry Engagement and Advocacy
- Networking activities such as creative hustles and film club sessions.
- Participants connect with industry professionals, decision-makers, and peers across the film and television ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have produced both web-based and non-web content, with at least one credited work.
- Have a script ready for development and production.
- Submit a production bible as part of the application.
- Complete the British Council e-learning programme as part of the selection process.
This programme is targeted at creatives based in Nigeria.
Benefits of Participating
Participants in the British Council Film Lab Africa 2026 will gain:
- Professional training from experienced industry experts in Nigeria and the UK.
- One-on-one and group mentorship.
- Access to production funding for pilot episodes.
- Opportunities for international showcasing and distribution.
- Valuable industry connections and long-term career development support.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the British Council platform. Applicants are encouraged to prepare all required documents, including scripts and production bibles, before starting the application process.
Need Support with Your Application?
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