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Mayibuye Doc Lab Project Application

CALL FOR PROJECTS — SOUTH AFRICAN EDITION 2026/27

A development lab for compelling South African documentaries

Applications open: 17 October 2026 Deadline: 13 November 2026, 23:59 SAST

The Mayibuye Doc Lab, hosted by Ehozini Retreat with the support of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), invites South African filmmaking teams to submit compelling documentary projects in development or early production for its 2026/27 South African edition.

Mayibuye Doc Lab is a hands-on development lab for creative documentaries: films with a strong authorial voice, a compelling narrative with a clear dramatic arc, and the potential to move audiences at home and abroad. Six projects will be selected. Over six months, each team will move from concept to a complete, investment-ready project package — narrative treatment and draft script, production and financing plan, and a distribution, marketing and impact strategy — through online workshops, a residential writing week in rural KwaZulu-Natal, and project-based group sessions with experienced mentors. Lab alumni then carry their projects to the international industry through the Post-Lab Alumni Programme, in partnership with Hot Docs and IDFA.

What we are looking for

Compelling stories. Creative documentaries with a distinctive perspective, emotional force, and relevance to South African and international audiences — stories only you can tell.

A clear creative vision. A directorial approach and visual language that make the project viable as a creative documentary.

The right stage. Projects in development or early production, with realistic access to subjects, locations and materials, and a clear path towards production.

Committed teams. Each project is represented by a writer/director, a producer and an impact producer, available for the full programme.

Preference will be given to projects addressing important social, cultural and historical themes, projects with international co-production and distribution potential, and teams demonstrating strong writer/director–producer collaboration.

Who can apply

South African projects only, with South African key creative teams (certified SA ID required for the writer/director and producer).

Filmmakers at NFVF Tier 2 (one or two features, TV films or documentaries, or two to three short films/commercials) or Tier 3 (new entrants who have produced or directed at least one short film) status, looking for accelerated growth.

First-time documentary filmmakers with a track record in other formats (fiction, commercials, episodic) are welcome and encouraged.

What selected teams receive

A structured development journey from concept to investment-ready project package

One-on-one mentorship with experienced documentary professionals

A fully covered seven-day writing residency at Ehozini Retreat (accommodation, meals, transport)

Access to international documentary markets as part of the Post-Lab Alumni Programme

Joining the Mayibuye alumni network