Namibian screenwriters with ambitious ideas are encouraged to apply for the fourth season of the AuthenticA Series Lab, a six-month development programme that seeks to elevate African television storytelling to global standards.
Co-presented by Geneva’s StoryBoard Collective in partnership with the Realness Institute, and supported by the Canada Media Fund, the Lab provides mentored creatives, creative support, and access to the best in the field.
The programme, which runs from 3 September to 27 March 2026, consists of online sessions, and in-person residencies in South Africa, Switzerland, and France.
“This Lab is more than a script development programme – it’s an opportunity for writers to excavate what they cannot say in a supported environment and get closer to their voices,” says Mehret Mandefro, interim managing director of Realness Institute.
Four writers will be selected from Africa and one from the African diaspora in Canada.
Writers working in genres such as drama, comedy, sci-fi or thriller are eligible.
“We’re looking for storytellers who aren’t afraid to say something urgent and real,” adds Selina Ukwuoma, director of writing programmes and co-designer of the Lab.
Namibia has already produced screenwriters who have made significant marks on the global stage, and paved the way for local content creators to shine beyond borders.
These include Tim Huebschle, one of Namibia’s most internationally recognised screenwriters.
His short film ‘Dead River’ was selected for over 30 international film festivals, including Clermont-Ferrand in France and Palm Springs ShortFest in the United States.
The film won several awards for Best Narrative Short and Cinematography.
Huebschle is also a graduate of the Berlinale Talent Campus and the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs programme.
Lavinia Kapewasha, is another emerging voice, her short film ‘Fambaus,’ was shown at the Durban International Film Festival and Jozi Film Festival.
Joel Haikali’s short films titled ‘African Cowboy’ and ‘My Father’s Son’, have been shown all over South Africa, Canada, Germany, and America, with Best Short Film and Best Directing awards.
The 2024 cohort of the AuthenticA Series Lab will pitch their projects to over 100 international broadcasters and producers at Series Mania, with a number moving on to development stages.
The application closes on 11 July 2025 at 16h00 and applicants are encouraged to apply via https://www.realness.institute/authentica-series-lab or enquiries at: submissions@realness.institute
