The FAME Shorts Film Festival celebrates the diverse narratives of Africa and its diaspora through films that delve into themes like cultural heritage, modern life, diasporic identity, historical events, and pressing social-political issues. It showcases personal stories, biographies, artistic creativity, and tales of innovation, highlighting the intersectionality within African societies. The festival is a platform for films that address environmental concerns and the evolving relationship between Africans and their land, offering a window into the continent's multifaceted experiences and perspectives in a rich tapestry of storytelling.

The festival stands as a beacon for independent cinema, focusing on uncovering and nurturing the finest independent filmmakers from Africa and its diaspora.

We welcome submissions that are entirely rooted in African origins, celebrating the rich and diverse narratives that the continent and its diaspora have to offer.

Together with MIP Africa, FAME Shorts Film Festival has a wide variety of events for filmmakers to participate in. From 2 to 4 September 2024, the Cape Town International Convention Centre will come alive with content sessions, workshops and masterclasses presented by industry professionals with the purpose of educating and inspiring professionals within the film and television industry. We are also a strong supporter of musicians and live music can be heard as part of FAME After Dark.

• Opening Date for Submissions: February 12, 2024
• Submissions Deadline: April 26, 2024
• Notification Date: June 18, 2024
• FAME Shorts Film Festival: September 4th – 7th, 2024

Best Documentary Short Film at the FAME Shorts Film Festival is a prestigious category that honours exceptional storytelling in a documentary format, encapsulating the festival's commitment to the diverse and vibrant narratives of Africa and its diaspora. This category celebrates documentaries that delve into an array of compelling themes, including the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Africa, contemporary life and challenges, the nuanced experiences of the African diaspora, and significant historical narratives that have shaped the continent. It also highlights documentaries that tackle pressing social and political issues, showcase inspiring personal stories and biographies, and explore artistic creativity and innovation. Additionally, this category emphasises the importance of environmental narratives and the complex intersectionality within African societies, offering a lens through which audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted African experience.

Best Narrative Short Film recognises outstanding narrative storytelling, reflecting the festival's dedication to showcasing the rich and diverse stories from Africa and its diaspora. This category seeks narrative films that weave compelling tales around the vibrant cultural heritage and traditions of Africa, the realities of modern life, and the intricate experiences of the African diaspora. It celebrates films that engage with historical events that have shaped the continent, as well as those that address social and political issues. The category is also a platform for films that tell personal stories and biographies, highlight artistic creativity and innovation, and explore the dynamic intersectionality within African societies. Furthermore, it includes narratives that bring attention to environmental concerns and the evolving relationship between Africans and their land, thus providing audiences with comprehensive portrayal of the African experience through the art of storytelling.

Best Animated Short Film at the FAME Shorts Film Festival celebrates the imaginative power of animation to tell stories unique to the African continent and its diaspora. This category honors animated works that creatively explore themes such as Africa's rich cultural heritage and traditions, the complexities of modern African life, and the diverse experiences of the diaspora. It shines a light on animations that recount significant historical narratives, confront social and political issues, and tell personal stories or biographies with depth and sensitivity. The category also applauds animated films that showcase artistic innovation and the spirit of change-making, while addressing the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, and class within African societies. Additionally, it features narratives that focus on environmental concerns, underscoring the evolving relationship between Africans and their environment.

Best Student Short Film category dedicated to celebrating the emerging talent of student filmmakers who bring fresh perspectives to African narratives and its diaspora. This category is a showcase for student-created films that skilfully engage with a range of themes, from the exploration of Africa's rich cultural heritage and traditions to the nuances of modern life on the continent. It spotlights the experiences of the African diaspora, historical events shaping Africa, and addresses pivotal social and political issues. These student films are also recognised for their portrayal of personal journeys, innovation in storytelling, and their ability to articulate the intersectionality of identities within African societies. Moreover, this category emphasises the importance of environmental narratives and the relationship between Africans and their land, offering a platform for the next generation of filmmakers to contribute to the evolving tapestry of African storytelling.

Best LGBTQ+ Short Film at the FAME Shorts Film Festival is a category that highlights and honors stories from the LGBTQ+ community within the African continent and its diaspora. This category is dedicated to showcasing films that explore the diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa. It seeks to spotlight narratives that delve into themes of identity, acceptance, love, and the unique intersectionality of being LGBTQ+ in African societies. These films may also touch upon the cultural heritage of Africa, the impact of modern societal changes, and personal stories that resonate with both specific and universal themes. This category is a celebration of the creativity and courage of filmmakers who give voice to LGBTQ+ stories, fostering understanding and empathy through the powerful medium of film, and contributing to the rich mosaic of African storytelling.