UNESCO Immersive Residency 2020 for African Female Filmmakers (Nara, Japan)

Application Deadline: 10th January 2020

Eligible Countries: African countries (see below)

To be Taken at (Country): Nara, Japan

About the Award: Under the guidance of internationally acclaimed Japanese Film Director, Naomi Kawase, this arts residency for 10 young women film professionals from Africa in the village of Tawara, surrounding the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nara, is a unique opportunity to work, discover, exchange, create. Residents selected will be invited to present their work at the Nara International Film Festival in September 2020. Apply now!
The Film and artist-in-residence will take place between 29 March and 12 April 2020. Participants will live and work in the beautiful village of Tawara (Nara, Japan), where Naomi Kawase filmed The Mourning Forest, Grand Prix at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
The Nara team will provide artistic, technical and logistical assistance. Filming equipment will be put at the disposal of participants.
The residency participants will be invited again to screen and present the work completed at the Nara International Film Festival from 18-22 September 2020. They will participate in public discussions, masterclasses and networking sessions with Japanese film industry professionals.

Type: Training

Eligibility: Applicants are emerging women filmmakers, with some film or audio-visual experience, a good command of English and aged 21-35 from the following countries:

• Burkina Faso
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• South Africa

Two applicants will be selected in each country by a joint national/UNESCO committee.

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Motivation. Why you are interested in participating in this filmmaking residency in Nara, Japan?
2. Relevance. How do you think this filmmaking residency could help develop your capacities in filming?
3. Sustainability. How can you use this residency to promote further the role of women in the film sector?

Number of Awards: 10

Value of Award:
Logistic and operational support: Residents will benefit from a logistic support:

• – assistance on administrative and visa procedures
• – organization of accommodation in the village of Tawara

Financial support

• Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by UNESCO.
• Once selected to participate in this filmmaking residency programme, you will be provided: 1) 2 return air tickets from the city of your residence to Nara, Japan 2) Accommodation, meals and local transportation for the duration of your stay in Nara, Japan

Duration of Award: 2 weeks (29 March to 12 April 2020)

How to Apply:

• It is important to go through all application requirements in the Award Webpage (see Link below) before applying.

Visit Award Webpage for Details