The Inclusive Lens Pitching Competition has been launched in South Africa, providing a platform for filmmakers with disabilities to pitch their projects and access industry opportunities. The competition, supported by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), aims to identify and elevate emerging and established filmmakers with disabilities. The initiative is a collaboration between DAWN and FAME Week Africa, with the goal of creating greater visibility and access for underrepresented talent in South Africa's screen industries.
The competition is open to filmmakers with disabilities from South Africa, who can submit feature films, television or digital series projects across various genres. The projects can be at concept, development or early packaging stage, and do not have to center on disability. Applicants will submit a filmmaker biography and project pitch, outlining their concept, creative vision, and intended audience. An independent panel of industry professionals will evaluate submissions based on originality, storytelling potential, and commercial viability.
The NFVF will provide R50,000 in financial support to the winning filmmaker, aimed at addressing accessibility and participation barriers in the development and production of audiovisual content. The competition's organizers say this support is crucial in helping to level the playing field for filmmakers with disabilities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote greater access and participation in South Africa's film and video industry.
Up to five finalists will be invited to pitch their projects live at FAME Week Africa in Cape Town on October 28, 2026. The winning filmmaker will be announced and honored during the Inclusive Lens Awards on October 29, 2026. In addition to presenting their projects, finalists will receive accreditation to FAME Week Africa, providing access to networking opportunities, market sessions, and potential collaborations.
Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa, says the initiative reflects a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive screen industry in South Africa. He emphasizes that inclusion is not just about inviting people into the room, but about creating genuine opportunities for filmmakers to be seen, heard, and connected to the industry. Karen Jeynes, Founder of DAWN, adds that the competition is an important step towards removing long-standing barriers within the industry.
The Inclusive Lens Pitching Competition is now open, with submissions closing on October 7, 2026. Finalists will be announced on October 16, 2026, before pitching their projects live at FAME Week Africa. The competition's organizers encourage filmmakers with disabilities to apply, and to take advantage of this opportunity to access industry opportunities and funding.
The NFVF's support for the Inclusive Lens Pitching Competition aligns with its mandate to promote and develop South Africa's film and video industry. The organization hopes that this initiative will help to remove barriers to access and promote greater participation in the sector. Filmmakers interested in entering can find the full eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and Terms and Conditions on the FAME Week Africa website.
Key points
- The competition offers a R50,000 prize to support the winning filmmaker's project.
- The initiative aims to promote greater access and participation for filmmakers with disabilities in South Africa's screen industries.
- Submissions for the competition close on October 7, 2026.
