Call for Submissions: 2025 FAME WEEK AFRICA’s SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL

Cape Town, South Africa – The FAME Shorts Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 edition, inviting filmmakers from Africa, and its diaspora, to showcase their unique narratives and storytelling during the film festival at Cape Town’s Labia Theatre (4-6 September). A celebration of African stories, the festival provides a powerful platform for short films that explore themes of cultural heritage, modern life, diasporic identity, historical events, and pressing socio-political issues.

With the potential to reach international film producers and industry players gathered for the annual FAME Week Africa film and media event, the FAME Shorts Film Festival champions diverse African content with a spotlight on films that highlight environmental concerns and the evolving relationship between Africans and their land.

Says Steven Beckett, FAME Week Africa’s marketing manager, “This is a showcase of Africa now, in all its diversity. From the small and personal stories of people who live here, or away from here, to Africa’s broader impact on the global cultural  stage. We’re encouraging submissions from filmmakers whose works are deeply rooted in their African origins, reflecting the continent’s vibrant storytelling traditions and contemporary realities. Submissions from emerging filmmakers and industry veterans are welcome.”

FAME Week Short Film Festival Submission Details:

• Deadline: 25 April 2025 (selection notifications will commence from 30 June)
• Eligibility: Open to filmmakers from Africa and its diaspora.
• Categories: Best Documentary Short Film, Best Narrative Short Film, Best Animated Short Film, Best Student Short Film, Best LGBTQ+ Short Film (films must have an African connection)
• How to Submit: Submit an entry via Film Freeway https://filmfreeway.com/FAMEShortsFilmFestival

This year the FAME Shorts Film Festival will once again partner with Yes! Definitely, an award-winning bottled water created in collaboration with artists, illustrators and designers. The bottles feature creative designs, as well as the details of the artist who created them, making them a functional and reusable creative collectable for water on-the-go.