Matatu Film Stage is a vibrant platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the brilliance of African cinema 🌍🎬—not just as an art form, but as a bold cultural statement! More than just screenings, we craft immersive experiences and embrace innovative, alternative distribution methods 🎥 to connect audiences with the beating heart of African storytelling.

Our platform is Pan-African at its core, spanning an entire year with city-to-city film screenings and exhibitions. With each edition, Matatu Film Stage traverses the diverse landscapes of Africa, bringing fresh, authentic stories to audiences far and wide, from bustling urban hubs to the most remote corners of the continent.

Our Mission
We aim to elevate the African film ecosystem by empowering both creators and audiences. Whether you’re a filmmaker chasing big dreams or a cinephile who can’t get enough of authentic, groundbreaking narratives, we’re here for you—delivering unforgettable experiences, one stage at a time.

Matatu Film Stage isn’t just an event; it’s a movement—a journey that transforms how African stories are told, shared, and celebrated.

Who We Are
Matatu Film Stage is proudly an initiative of Film Possible, a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing and expanding the African film ecosystem. Through diverse initiatives, Film Possible supports filmmakers, drives innovation, and creates platforms like Matatu Film Stage to ensure African stories resonate across the globe.

Join us as we champion the next generation of African filmmakers and bring the continent’s rich tapestry of stories to life in ways you’ve never seen before. This is more than cinema—it’s a celebration of who we are.

Rules & Terms

Matatu Film Stage Submission Terms and Conditions

1. Eligibility Criteria:
• Submissions are open to filmmakers from Africa and the African diaspora.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.

2. Film Requirements:
• Films must have been completed within 24 months prior to the submission date.
• Short films should not exceed 40 minutes, and feature films must exceed 60 minutes, including credits.
• All genres are welcome, provided the content aligns with Matatu Film Stage's mission to showcase exceptional, original, and artistic works from Africa and its diaspora.
• Films must not have been broadcast on television, the internet, or released on physical or digital media prior to their festival screening.

3. Submission Process:
• Submissions must be completed on Film Freeway.
• All required fields in the submission form must be completed accurately.
• Supplementary materials, such as previous work samples or visual references, are encouraged but not mandatory.

• Deadlines for submissions will be specified on the Matatu Film Stage film freeway page. Late submissions will not be considered.
• Submission fees are non-refundable and non-reimbursable under any circumstances, including if the film is not selected or if the submission is withdrawn.

4. Selection Process:
• A panel of experienced industry professionals and artists will evaluate all submissions.
• Successful applicants will be notified via email upon completion of the selection process.
• The panel’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
• Once selected, films cannot be withdrawn from the program by the rights-holder except by a decision from the relevant courts.

5. Screening and Promotion:
• Selected films will be screened across various platforms in multiple African cities, including cinemas, cultural and art centers, festivals, television platforms, and alternative spaces, for a period from October 2025 to October 2026.
• Participants agree to allow Matatu Film Stage to use excerpts from their films (up to 10% of the total runtime) and accompanying materials (such as trailers, posters, and stills) for promotional purposes.

6. Rights and Permissions:
• Filmmakers retain all rights to their films. By submitting, applicants confirm that Matatu Film Stage is granted the non-exclusive right to screen their films for the festival and associated promotional purposes.
• Applicants confirm they hold all necessary rights, consents, and authorizations for the submission and screening of their films.
• Films must not infringe upon the rights of any third party, including intellectual property rights, and must not contain obscene, defamatory, or libelous content.
• The applicant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Matatu Film Stage, its agents, representatives, and successors from any claims or liabilities arising from the submission, acceptance, or screening of the film.

7. Code of Conduct:
• Filmmakers and participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times during the festival and screenings.
• Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate expulsion from the program.

8. Acceptance of Terms:
• By submitting a film to the Matatu Film Stage, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these Terms and Conditions.
• Any violation of these terms may result in disqualification from the festival.
9. Reserved Rights:
• Matatu Film Stage reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions or revoke any selection or offer at its sole discretion without prior notice or justification.

10. Inquiries:
• For questions or clarifications about the submission process or festival program, please contact the Matatu Film Stage team via email at info@filmpossible.org with "Matatu Film Stage Submission Inquiry" as the subject line.