GABORONE – Botswana filmmakers have been invited to submit short films for consideration in the upcoming European Film Festival, with three local productions set to be selected and screened in September 2026.
The initiative, announced by the Alliance Française de Gaborone, aims to provide a platform for local directors to showcase their creativity to international audiences.
Eligibility and Categories
- Directors must be citizens of Botswana.
- Submissions are open in two categories: Very Short Films (under 6 minutes) and Short Films (6–20 minutes).
- All genres are accepted, with films assessed on creativity, cinematography, originality, and overall potential.
Priority Themes Particular attention will be given to films exploring themes such as:
- Family as a space of conflict and reconciliation
- Coming-of-age and youth in transition
- Political or social realities through personal stories
- Art as resistance, redemption, or transformation
- Rural–urban transitions and belonging
- Tradition in dialogue with modernity
- Evolving masculinities and identity
- Ambitious approaches to animation
Submission Details Films must be submitted in digital format, with English subtitles required for non-English productions. Previously released or publicly screened films are eligible, but those already featured at past European Film Festivals will not be considered.
Applicants are required to complete an online form via Google Forms and provide supporting documents including a director’s biography, CV, copy of ID, film file, and press reviews where applicable.
Key Dates
- Deadline for applications: 20 June 2026
- Announcement of selected films: July 2026
By applying, filmmakers authorise the Alliance Française de Gaborone and the European Film Festival Botswana to screen the selected works.
For more information email culture.projects@afgaborone.org.
