Creative Producer Indaba 2026–27: Applications Close 3 November
Creative Producer Indaba 2026–27 Opens Applications for African Film and TV Producers
Film and television producers looking to strengthen their project-development and business skills have a new opportunity through the 2026–27 edition of Creative Producer Indaba.
The six-month fellowship, organised by the Realness Institute in partnership with EAVE, is designed for producers committed to African cinema and interested in developing stronger projects, building industry relationships and improving the way they run their production businesses.
Applications close on 3 November 2026 at 16:00 South African Standard Time (SAST).
What is Creative Producer Indaba?
Creative Producer Indaba is a professional development programme for producers working across film, television and episodic content.
Rather than focusing only on individual film projects, the fellowship addresses the wider responsibilities of producing: developing and packaging projects, identifying financing routes, exercising creative leadership and building sustainable production companies.
The programme brings selected producers together for mentorship, peer learning and engagement with industry professionals. It is intended for people who already have experience in the sector and want to develop their work and professional practice further.
Who can apply?
The programme is aimed at experienced producers with a demonstrable track record. The published eligibility information identifies applicants who have produced at least four short films or one feature film.
It also welcomes certain professionals working in areas such as distribution, sales, funding, broadcasting or development who have a substantial stake in the African audiovisual marketplace.
For African applicants, the call allows applications with or without a project that they control or co-control. International applicants are subject to different project requirements.
Applicants should also be prepared to participate in the programme’s online and in-person components, and all application materials must be submitted in English.
Because eligibility can differ by applicant category, candidates should consult the official call before preparing their submissions.
What does the fellowship offer?
Creative Producer Indaba combines online learning with in-person workshops and opportunities to connect with fellow producers and industry practitioners.
The published schedule includes:
Online sessions from 24 November 2026 to 11 January 2027
A Johannesburg workshop from 7–14 February 2027
Further online sessions from 17 February to 12 March 2027
A workshop in Réunion during FIFOI from 3–10 April 2027
The curriculum covers areas including project development, packaging, financing, leadership and sustainable production-company practices.
For selected African and Haitian producers, participation is covered through the programme’s FAPA support. Applicants should check the official terms for the precise coverage of travel and other costs, as well as any conditions that apply to their category.
How to apply
Interested producers should access the application portal through the official programme information and choose the pathway appropriate to their goals: project-focused or career-focused.
Applicants should prepare evidence of their producing experience and explain what they hope to gain from the fellowship. Those applying with a project should be ready to demonstrate its current stage, creative direction and development needs.
Application deadline: 3 November 2026, 16:00 SAST.
Given the short timeline, prospective applicants should review the criteria immediately and leave enough time to prepare the required material.
Why producers should pay attention
A strong film industry needs more than directors and performers. Producers help turn creative ideas into viable projects by assembling teams, structuring budgets, securing financing, negotiating partnerships and managing production.
These responsibilities become even more important when projects involve multiple territories, financing partners or distribution markets.
For experienced producers seeking to strengthen both their projects and their businesses, Creative Producer Indaba offers a structured opportunity to build those skills and relationships.
Editorial note: Verify the live application portal, category-specific eligibility and funding coverage through the programme organiser before publication.
