The VR Workshop aims to introduce audiences to Virtual Reality experiences, exploring how VR is transforming filmmaking narratives and audience engagement. With funding from the British Council’s Festival Connect Fund, the workshop intends to strengthen networks and enhance capacity to revitalize East African cinema. The vision includes establishing a robust film festival network that supports filmmakers and promotes cultural exchange. This initiative is proudly sponsored by the Festival Connect Grant by the British Council and is managed by Onastories of Tanzania and MAAFF and Africa Eye.
ANIMATING AFRICAN HISTORIES
The Animating African Histories Workshop, managed by Buni Media, (Kenya) aims to elevate East Africa’s film and animation industry through technology and education. In partnership with the MAAFF and Afrika Eye Film Festival of Bristol, UK, this initiative is supported by the British Council’s Festival Connect Grants to enhance skills and promote cultural heritage.
THE ART OF DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
Join us for a transformative two-day workshop on digital cinematography, led by the esteemed Barry Bravermann, a veteran director of photography with over thirty years of experience in National Geographic specials, feature films, and music videos. This workshop, designed for semi-professional participants in Rwanda, will delve into advanced techniques using both traditional cameras and mobile phone technology. Participants will leave equipped with enhanced skills and insights to elevate their visual storytelling in the competitive film industry. We thank Barry for his magnanimous offer of a free workshop at MAAFF 2025.
FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN
The “From Script to Screen” workshop, presented by the Off-Court International Short Film Festival, marks the French festival’s inaugural entry into Rwanda. Running from November 22nd to 29th, this six-day program will accommodate 15-20 participants and focus on scriptwriting fundamentals and storyboarding. Attendees will receive hands-on training throughout the production process, from script development to filming. Participants will create their own short films, which will be screened for constructive critiques. This initiative aims to empower local filmmakers with essential skills, fostering creativity and collaboration within Rwanda’s burgeoning film industry.
The Residency Overview
The Mashariki Film Residency is an initiative designed to empower six selected filmmakers from a pool of twelve finalists. Scheduled for November 2025, this residency aims to provide comprehensive training and mentorship to enhance participants’ skills and prepare them for successful careers in the film industry.
The residency will focus on understanding agreements for team members, experts, and service providers, strategies for securing financial support for projects, developing effective budget management skills, identifying and collaborating with industry professionals and planning and executing projects within set timeframes.
Participants will receive invaluable support from experienced mentors throughout the residency. The key trainer and facilitator is CJ Obasi, eminent Nigerian film director and producer known for his impactful storytelling and innovative filmmaking techniques. His expertise will guide participants in honing their craft, navigating the complexities of the film industry, and developing their unique voices as filmmakers.
The residency will operate independently within the framework of the 2025 Kigali International Content Market calendar events, ensuring that it aligns with broader industry initiatives and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
The final participants selected for this enriching experience are, Victor Kariuki, Noela Luka, Joshua Omondi, Biko Nyongesa and Lilian Sundqvist. This residency not only aims to build skills but also to create a supportive community of filmmakers from East Africa, who can collaborate and inspire one another as they advance their careers in the dynamic world of cinema.
FESTIVAL CONNECT PROJECT: FILM, HISTORY AND ARCHIVES
Recently Mashariki collaborated with the Afrika Eye African film Festival of Bristol, UK and successfully won a grant for managing a workshop and exchange program under the Festival Connect Grants program of the British council.
The grant supports collaborative festival projects between organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the UK. It funds initiatives that foster artistic exchange, cultural collaboration, community engagement, and innovation. This innovative program aims to explore the intersection of film, historical narratives, and archival practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving African cinematic heritage.
A key highlight of the program will be the visit by Simon Bright, a renowned film archivist and expert in African cinema. His participation will include delivering a keynote address discussing the role of archives in shaping the narrative of African cinema and engage in panel discussions with young film enthusiasts, filmmakers, historians and archivists to engage directly with archival materials, and in this instance, the history of the liberation of Southern Africa. The program is designed for a diverse audience, including filmmakers, students, historians, archivists, and film enthusiasts. By bringing together various stakeholders, the program aims to create a collaborative environment where knowledge and skills can be shared.