Google.org backs AI filmmaking programme offering African creators training and film funding
African filmmakers and emerging visual storytellers can now apply for a free artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking programme backed by Google.org, with selected participants set to receive funding to produce their films.
The programme, From Script to Screen with AI, was unveiled on October 26 by Akuna Learning, part of The Akuna Group, chaired by Sir Idris Elba. The programme is developed in partnership with Google and backed by US$ 1 million in funding from Google.org.
The initiative is also targeting creators from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa.
Applications are open until November 15, 2026, through the “akunalearning.com” website. Successful applicants will undergo a 12-week online academy before proceeding to mentorship, film pitching and production opportunities over a 50-week programme.
The initiative seeks to help aspiring and emerging African creatives develop their storytelling skills using AI tools, while creating a pathway from training to funded film production.
“For me, this is about learning. This is about access to courses that help educate creators across the continent to tell their stories. Through Akuna Learning, we’re partnering with Google and Curious Refuge on ‘From Script to Screen with AI’, a remarkable training and mentorship programme teaching African filmmakers to use AI tools. Selected projects will receive production funding, and creators will retain control of their work. I’m looking forward to seeing the stories they choose, and how the education leads to employment and self-momentum, but helps shape the narrative of Africa,” said Sir Idris Elba, Chairman of The Akuna Group.
The curriculum, developed by AI filmmaking training organisation Curious Refuge, will cover five specialisation areas: fiction, documentary, animation, advertising and screenwriting. All participants will first complete foundational training in AI filmmaking before choosing a pathway that aligns with their creative interests.
Following the academy, graduates will submit one-page film ideas, with shortlisted applicants forming teams for a four-week mentorship programme. Teams endorsed by their mentors will pitch their projects to panels comprising representatives from Akuna, Google and the wider film industry.
Selected projects will receive production funding, with teams expected to make their films between July and October 2027. The completed works are scheduled to be showcased in October 2027, with opportunities to pursue film festivals and other screenings.
Khaled Gad, Chief Executive Officer of The Akuna Group, said the programme is designed to connect skills development with practical opportunities to make films.
“Training on its own does not build an industry. Creators need a route from the classroom to the screen, and this programme carries them all the way, from their first application to a finished, funded film. It opens on the same day and runs to the same standard in all five countries. You do not need a film school background or any experience with AI to apply. You need finished work that shows what you can do, and your application is due by 15 November.”
The programme is open to filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, digital content creators, photographers, designers, editors, advertisers and visual artists. Applicants do not need prior AI experience, a film school qualification or a specified number of years in the creative industry.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and physically reside in one of the five participating countries. They must also have access to a laptop, reliable internet connectivity and consistent electricity throughout the programme, as well as the ability to commit to the academy and subsequent stages if selected.
Applicants are required to submit existing creative work demonstrating their talent and commitment. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Additionally, Akuna Learning said creators will retain control of their work, with neither the programme nor its partners claiming ownership rights over the films.
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