Applications are now open for From Script to Screen with AI, a free programme that teaches creators in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa to make films using AI tools.
It is run by Akuna Learning, part of The Akuna Group, which is chaired by Idris Elba, in collaboration with Google. Google.org is contributing US$1 million, and Curious Refuge developed the curriculum.
KEY DETAILS
Cost: Free to apply and free to attend if selected.
Deadline: Applications close on 15 November 2026 at akunalearning.com.
Duration: About fifty weeks, from a twelve-week academy through to mentoring, pitching and production.
Ownership: Creators keep control of their work. Neither Akuna nor its partners claim ownership rights.
Who it’s for: Aspiring and emerging visual storytellers, including filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, advertisers, content creators, photographers, designers, editors and visual artists. No AI experience, film school qualification or minimum industry experience is required.
CREATIVE PATHWAYS
After a foundational course in AI filmmaking, participants choose one of five tracks:
Fiction: Scripted storytelling, from short films to series.
Documentary: Real-world stories and factual filmmaking.
Animation: Animated storytelling, motion design and visual world-building.
Advertising: Branded storytelling, commercial content and creative campaigns.
Screenwriting: Script development, dialogue and structure.
HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS
- Applications and selection (October 2026 to January 2027): One open call across all five countries, with review panels in each country and a final panel across all five.
- Learn and get certified (February to April 2027): Twelve weeks of online training with Curious Refuge, weekly Akuna facilitation, in-person meet-ups in each country, and certification at the end.
- Get mentoring (April to June 2027): Graduates submit one-page ideas. Shortlisted idea owners build teams, which spend four weeks with mentors and subject experts.
- Pitch your film (June to July 2027): Mentor-endorsed teams pitch to panels from Akuna, Google and the wider industry. Selected projects receive funding.
- Produce your film (July to October 2027): Funded teams make their films with creative and technical support. The films will be showcased in October 2027 and taken to festivals.
WHO CAN APPLY
All applicants must:
- Live in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or South Africa.
- Be 18 or older on the date of application
- Have a laptop, reliable internet and consistent power for the duration of the programme
- Be able to commit fully to the twelve-week academy (February to April 2027) and to later stages if they progress
Applicants should include existing creative work, however modest, that shows their talent and commitment. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Apply now: akunalearning.com
Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 19-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. Nafisa is a traveller at heart, having been to 46 countries and counting. Find her edutainment videos covering tech, EVs and travel on TikTok.
