Screen writers urged to be honest and more fearless
Tony Koros from Kenya presented his project Money Town at Series Mania. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
The programme offers a hybrid professional development experience for African screenwriters from all genres of scripted episodic storytelling such as drama, comedy, thriller, sci-fi, among others
African screenwriters with bold, original series ideas are invited to apply for the 4th edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab, a transformative six-month development programme designed to elevate episodic story-telling from the continent to the global stage. The Lab nurtures authentic African voices, offering one-on-one mentorship and industry access. Presented by Realness Institute in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, the Geneva-based philanthropic organisation that supports the development and impact outreach of transformative stories. Additionally, The Canada Media Fund returns as a funder for the second year, supporting the inclusion of one Canadian screenwriter from the African diaspora. Running from September 3, 2025 to March 27, 2026, the programme offers a hybrid professional development experience for African screenwriters from all genres of scripted episodic storytelling.
The Lab combines online discussions, seminars, and one-on-ones, with in-person residencies at three international locations: a 10-day residency in Cape Town, South Africa, a two-month residency in Geneva, Switzerland, culminating in a week-long industry immersion at Series Mania in Lille, France. This is Europe’s largest co-production series market and festival attracting sales agents, talent scouts, distributors, broadcasters and investors. “This lab is more than a script development programme - it is an opportunity for writers to unearth what they are unable to say in a supported environment and get closer to their voices,” says Mehret Mandefro, interim managing director of Realness Institute. Director of writing programmes at Realness Institute and Lab co-designer, Selina Ukwuoma joins Mandefro, who is the producing and showrunning mentor, in guiding the cohort.
“We are looking for storytellers who are not afraid to say something urgent and real,” says Ukwuoma. “The Lab provides space, mentorship, and a direct bridge to industry—to support each story to reach its full artistic and marketable potential.” The 2024 cohort pitched their projects at the Series Mania Forum in France in March this year, drawing an audience of more than 100 broadcasters, producers, and decision-makers. Since then, many have advanced into further development—proof of the programme’s impact. The 2024/25 alumnus, Tony Koros (Kenya) who presented his project Money Town at Series Mania, which has been selected for further development at The Red Sea Serieslab has this to say about AuthenticA: “It was a creative reawakening. The programme pushed me to write with more honesty and less fear.
It challenged me to reconnect with why I write in the first place and gave me good friends and great wine to hold my hand through it. It produced some of my best work.” David Rimer, founder of The StoryBoard Collective, observes that story-telling is a powerful tool for narrative change, a reason why writers need all the support, resources and the right environment to develop their own authentic projects. “After three editions, we have seen the AuthenticA programme gain international recognition and make a meaningful impact on the careers of our alumni." Francesco Capurro - Series Mania Forum Director says, “We are proud to continue our collaboration with the Realness Institute and the StoryBoard Collective on the AuthenticA Series Lab, which is now well established.
This initiative has proven its worth in supporting emerging talent. Africa is a rich source of unique voices and compelling stories and Series Mania is committed to showcasing them on the global stage.” The Lab is open to African screenwriters working in all genres of scripted episodic or series storytelling, including drama, comedy, thriller, sci-fi, amongst others. Writers retain full rights to their projects. Four participants will be selected from the submissions – three from Africa and one from Canada. Applications are currently open and will close on July 11, 2025.
Urgent and real issues
“We are looking for storytellers who are not afraid to say something urgent and real. The lab provides space, mentorship, and a direct bridge to industry—to support each story to reach its full artistic and marketable potential.” The development, training and lasting exchange come together in the most sustainable way.’’
