About Applications
The Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab is a specialised initiative for producers attached to a feature-length fiction or documentary project in development. The Lab supports producers based in East Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo — specifically Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC.
The programme prioritises experienced producers and is designed to:
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Support the refinement of film projects
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Strengthen producers’ professional practice
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Foster meaningful regional exchange and connections with local and international mentors
Since 2021, the Lab has convened five-day residential training sessions in Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, nurturing collaboration and collective growth across the regional industry.
The Lab brings together emerging producers to address challenges in the African film ecosystem, where the role of a creative producer is often not well understood. Its goal is to increase the number of skilled creative producers by providing the tools, resources, and training needed to strengthen projects at the development stage. This, in turn, enhances opportunities, visibility, and access to global markets.
Through a combination of group and one-on-one sessions, the programme helps make projects market-ready. Topics include story development, market positioning, financing, distribution strategies, and social and legal relationships with core teams and contributors. Each project receives tailored consultations to address its unique needs..
Fiction/Documentary Producers:
Who Can Apply
Who Can Apply?
Producers are eligible if they:
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Are formally attached to a feature-length fiction or documentary project in development
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Hold the legal rights to produce the project (via ownership, option, or attachment agreement)
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Have a director attached to the project
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Have produced at least two short films or one feature film
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Are able to communicate professionally in English
Project Requirements:
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Projects do not need to be financed at the time of application; however, applicants must provide a thoughtful budget and justify its proposed level.
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Short films, episodic, and new media projects are NOT eligible
This programme is exclusively for producers; other collaborators are not invited to participate.
Applicants may submit one project only and all application materials must be prepared in English.
They must complete the online application form and provide accurate, detailed information. Please read all instructions carefully. Applications that include additional materials beyond what is requested, or that do not meet eligibility criteria, may be disqualified. Please see below for links to the Fiction and Documentary application forms
How to Apply: Fiction & Documentary
1. Complete the Application Form - fill out the online application form in English, providing accurate and detailed information.
2. Prepare to submit the Following:
a. Application Letter (Max. 1 Page):
Describe your background as a producer, your producing focus/vision, the current stage of development of the project (what has been completed and what is currently underway), why the story matters (creative, cultural, and market relevance), and where you see the project going (markets, co-production opportunities, target audiences).
Optional: The perspective or experience you would contribute to the cohort.
b. Video (Max. 3 Minutes):
Share your relevant producing experience, present your current project (format, stage of development, and current needs), explain your motivation (Why this Lab? Why now?), outline your objectives and expectations (What do you want to walk away with?), and specify the areas where you seek support (financing, packaging, market access, co-production, etc.). Strictly an unlisted YouTube link for the producer's introduction video with full viewing access (3 minutes maximum)
c. Project Dossier/ Pitch deck: (All the following must be submitted unless noted as optional)
Film Logline & Synopsis (max. 200 words)
Producer’s Note of Intent ( 250 words)
Project Status, History and team bios (max. 400 words)
Budget Top Sheet and Finance Plan (in local currency and euros)
Production Company Presentation (max. 200 words)
Look Book
Director’s work samples: Vimeo/Youtube link of the director’s most recent film (subtitled in English)
For Documentary: Teaser (5-10 minutes)
d. Narrative Treatment (5 - 10 pgs max)
e. Previous works - focused on producer’s filmography, max. 5 entries).
Follow this format: i.e -
Title of project/ Format/ Year - Role -(followed by link to film/ film trailer/ film website/ social media page if available) e.g Galileo/ Short film/ 2024 - Producer - Link
f. Chain of title documentation
g. Prepare to provide proof of eligibility:
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A copy of your national passport to verify citizenship.
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A high-resolution image of yourself.
Deadline: 25th May, 2026
Fiction Applications:
Click Here to Apply for Fiction
Documentary Applications: