Pan-African Vertical Drama Challenge 2026

A continent-wide call for African creators to write, shoot, and share short-form vertical dramas that reflect the depth, diversity, and dynamism of African life. Two phases. One mission: elevate African storytelling for the mobile generation.

Script Challenge

Submit your best 3-episode vertical drama script and compete for cash prizes and mentorship

Pilot Shoot

Finalists produce a 3-episode pilot with production grants and editorial support

Global Distribution

Winning pilots are featured on AfroShorts and distributed to mobile-first audiences worldwide

The Mission

Africa is the world's youngest continent, with a mobile-first generation hungry for stories that reflect their realities. Yet most short-form drama platforms overlook African voices entirely.

The Pan-African Vertical Drama Challenge exists to change that. We are searching for bold, original scripts and pilot episodes that capture the complexity of African life — from Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, and everywhere in between.

The Challenge: Two Stages

Phase 1 — Script Challenge

Writers submit a complete script for a 3-episode vertical drama series. Each episode should be 60–90 seconds when performed. Scripts are judged on originality, cultural authenticity, emotional impact, and format awareness.

  • Open to writers from any African country or the diaspora
  • Scripts must be original and previously unproduced
  • Top scripts advance to Phase 2 with production grants

Phase 2 — Pilot Shoot

Finalists receive production grants and editorial guidance to shoot their 3-episode pilot. Episodes must be filmed vertically (9:16) and optimised for mobile viewing.

  • Production grant provided to each finalist
  • Access to AfroShorts editorial team for creative feedback
  • Finished pilots are evaluated by a pan-African judging panel

The Themes

Stories must fall under one of the following thematic categories:

Love & Relationships

Romance, heartbreak, situationships, forbidden love, long-distance relationships, or love across cultures. Stories that explore the emotional complexity of modern African relationships.

Power & Ambition

Hustle culture, class tensions, family dynasties, political intrigue, or corporate drama. Stories about the pursuit of success and the cost of power.

Identity & Belonging

Migration, code-switching, generational conflict, cultural pride, or displacement. Stories about what it means to be African in a globalised world.

Technical Requirements

  • 3 episodes per submission
  • 60–90 seconds per episode
  • Vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio)
  • Resolution: 1080×1920 minimum
  • Language: English, French, Swahili, Yoruba, or any African language (subtitles in English required)
  • Phase 1 scripts: PDF format, standard screenplay formatting
  • Phase 2 pilots: MP4 format, H.264 codec

Judging Criteria

  • Originality (25%) — Fresh concept, unique voice, and an unexpected angle
  • Cultural Authenticity (25%) — Rooted in real African experiences, not stereotypes
  • Emotional Impact (20%) — Strong hooks, cliffhangers, and emotional resonance
  • Format Mastery (15%) — Designed for vertical, mobile-first viewing
  • Production Quality (15%) — Visual storytelling, sound design, and performance (Phase 2 only)

The Prizes

Phase 1 — Script Challenge

  • Top 10 scripts advance to Phase 2 with production grants
  • All finalists receive mentorship from industry professionals
  • Scripts featured on AfroShorts creator spotlight

Phase 2 — Pilot Shoot

  • Grand Prize: Cash award + full series commission on AfroShorts
  • Runner-Up: Cash award + featured distribution on AfroShorts
  • All Phase 2 pilots distributed on the AfroShorts platform
  • Winning creators join the AfroShorts Creator Network for future opportunities

Timeline

  • Script Submissions Open — March 2026
  • Script Submissions Close — May 2026
  • Phase 1 Finalists Announced — June 2026
  • Pilot Production Period — July – September 2026
  • Pilot Submissions Close — October 2026
  • Winners Announced — November 2026

How to Submit

Submissions open in March 2026. To register your interest, ask questions, or receive updates when submissions go live, email us at:

Competition Enquiries & Submissions

competition@afroshorts.tv

General Enquiries

enquiries@afroshorts.tv