Call for Applications: Women in Film III – Training Through Practice Program

Deadline: 17-Jul-2026

The Training and Regional Events Open Call supports emerging Arab women filmmakers through mentorship, training, cultural exchange, and hands-on filmmaking opportunities. The programme focuses on project development, technical training, collaborative filmmaking, and professional growth for early-career women working in film.

The call is open to Arab women aged 23 to 30 living in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE. Selected participants will join online mentorship sessions, workshops, and an in-person residency in December 2026 in either the UAE or Saudi Arabia.

What Is the Training and Regional Events Open Call?

The programme supports early-career Arab women filmmakers through:

• Mentorship and professional guidance
• Film project development
• Technical filmmaking training
• Cultural exchange and collaboration
• Practical production experience
• Networking with industry professionals

The initiative aims to strengthen women’s participation in the Arab film industry and support emerging creative talent.

Main Programme Tracks

Writer-Director and Producer Track

This track focuses on:

• Short fiction film development
• Script and story development
• Project packaging
• Collaborative production planning
• Mentorship for writer-director and producer teams

Applicants must apply as a team consisting of:

• One writer-director
• One producer

Teams must submit:

• An early-stage short fiction film project
• Story treatment
• Draft script

Technical Practitioners Track

This track supports individual applicants in:

• Cinematography
• Editing
• Sound design

The programme emphasizes:

• Hands-on technical training
• Practical collaboration
• Real production simulation
• Creative teamwork

Applicants must submit:

• Previous work samples
• Portfolio materials relevant to their field

Programme Structure and Timeline

The programme follows a multi-stage training format.

Key Timeline

• Selection announcements: End of August 2026
• Online mentorship and workshops: September to December 2026
• In-person residency: December 2026
• Residency location: UAE or Saudi Arabia

The residency is designed to simulate real filmmaking environments and collaborative production practice.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be Arab women
• Be between 23 and 30 years old
• Reside in:
  • Egypt
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE

Applicants must also be early-career filmmakers.

Eligibility for Writer-Directors and Producers

Applicants:

• Must not have directed more than one short film outside academic work
• Must apply as a writer-director and producer team
• Must submit an early-stage fiction short film project

Eligibility for Cinematographers, Editors, and Sound Designers

Applicants:

• Must not have worked on more than one short film outside their studies
• Must apply individually
• Must submit work samples

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applications are not accepted from:

• AFAC trustees
• AFAC staff members
• Jurors
• Individuals with active AFAC grants
• Applicants who previously worked on feature films or TV series in key creative roles
• Animation projects

Important rule:

• Applicants cannot apply both individually and as part of a team.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed in multiple stages:

1. Eligibility and completeness review by the grants management team
2. Evaluation by an independent committee of readers
3. Final review and selection by a jury committee

The jury will select:

• Seven film projects
• Seven cinematographers
• Seven editors
• Seven sound designers

Selections are based on:

• Artistic quality
• Creative potential
• Project strength
• Evaluation criteria
• Collaboration potential

How to Apply

1. Choose the appropriate programme track.
2. Prepare required application materials.
3. Submit scripts, treatments, or portfolio samples.
4. Ensure eligibility requirements are met.
5. Complete the application before the deadline.
6. Await the selection announcement in August 2026.

Tips for Applicants

• Submit strong and original storytelling concepts.
• Highlight collaboration and creative vision.
• Ensure technical work samples are high quality.
• Follow all eligibility and submission rules carefully.
• Focus on realistic and well-developed short film ideas.

FAQ

Who can apply?

Arab women aged 23–30 residing in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE.

What types of filmmakers are eligible?

Writer-directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and sound designers.

Are animation projects eligible?

No. Animation projects are not accepted.

Can applicants apply individually and as part of a team?

No. Applicants may only apply under one category.

What happens after selection?

Selected participants join online mentorship sessions and an in-person residency in December 2026.

Conclusion

The Training and Regional Events Open Call provides valuable mentorship, technical training, and collaborative opportunities for emerging Arab women filmmakers. Through workshops, mentorship, and residency experiences, the programme aims to support the next generation of women working in the Arab film and creative industries.

For more information, visit AFAC.