Akuna Learning Opens Free AI Filmmaking Programme to Creators in Five African Countries

Akuna Learning has opened applications for a free filmmaking programme designed to help aspiring and emerging African visual storytellers use artificial intelligence in their work.

The initiative, titled From Script to Screen with AI, is available to eligible creators physically residing in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or South Africa. Applications are submitted online and close on 15 November 2026.

The programme is being delivered by Akuna Learning, part of The Akuna Group, in collaboration with Google. Its curriculum was developed by Curious Refuge.

Training and creative pathways

Participants will begin with a 12-week online academy focused on foundational AI filmmaking. They may then specialise in fiction, documentary, animation, advertising or screenwriting.

The programme also includes in-person meet-ups in each participating country, certification and mentoring. Shortlisted idea owners and their teams will take part in a four-week mentoring period before selected projects move to pitching and production.

Organisers say selected projects will receive production funding. Funded teams will make films with creative and technical support and take their work to festivals and showcases. The programme’s scheduled stages run from learning and certification between February and April 2027 through mentoring, pitching and film production, with showcasing planned for October 2027.

Eligibility and ownership

Applicants must be at least 18 years old on the date of application and should submit existing creative work that demonstrates their talent and commitment. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants do not need previous AI experience, a film school qualification or a specified number of years in the industry. However, those selected must commit fully to the academy and later stages if they progress.

Akuna Learning said the programme is free to apply for and free to attend for selected participants. It also states that creators will retain control of their work, with no ownership rights claimed by the programme or its partners.

Sir Idris Elba, chairman of The Akuna Group, said the initiative was intended to expand access to training and help creators develop stories from across the continent.

“Selected projects will receive production funding, and creators will retain control of their work,” Elba said.

Khaled Gad, chief executive officer of The Akuna Group, said the programme was designed to connect training with the completion and presentation of films.

“You do not need a film school background or any experience with AI to apply,” Gad said, adding that applicants need finished work showing what they can do and must submit their applications by 15 November.