From Script to Screen with AI 2026: Free AI Filmmaking Academy for Africans
- Study in
- Online (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa)
- Levels
- Online course and certificate
- Funding
- Free (fully funded training)
- Covers
- Free tuition, 12-week live AI filmmaking course, certificate, mentoring, chance at Google-sponsored film production funding
- Who can apply
- Residents of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or South Africa, 18+, with a body of creative work, a laptop and reliable internet
- Run by
- Akuna Learning and The Akuna Group, in partnership with Google
From Script to Screen with AI is a free online academy for African creators who want to tell stories with AI tools. It is run by Akuna Learning and The Akuna Group in partnership with Google, with Curious Refuge as the education partner. The 12-week live course teaches AI filmmaking, then gives the strongest graduates a chance to pitch for film funding that Google sponsors. It is open only to people who live in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or South Africa. If you live in India or anywhere else, you cannot apply to this intake.
Status: Open, closes 15 November 2026. Applications opened on 26 October 2026. Offers and onboarding are set for 14 December 2026, and the academy starts on 25 January 2027 (checked October 29, 2026).
What it covers
Everyone takes the same AI filmmaking foundation. When you apply, you also pick one of five pathways:
- Fiction: scripting, storyboards, consistent characters, editing and sound, working towards an AI-assisted short film.
- Documentary
- Animation
- Advertising
- Screenwriting
The course runs online with live sessions, assignments and progress check-ins. The FAQ says there are a few chances to meet in person during the programme. Every graduate is certified, whether or not their film is funded. Graduates also get an Akuna Stage profile and access to the alumni network.
After the academy, shortlisted ideas move into team formation, mentoring and pitching. Teams that mentors endorse pitch to panels with people from Google, Akuna and the film industry. A select few projects in each intake get production funding. The official pages do not state how much funding each film gets or how many places are on offer.
Key details
| Run by | Akuna Learning and The Akuna Group, with Google and Curious Refuge |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free. No application fee and no tuition |
| Who can apply | Residents of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa, aged 18 or older |
| Format | Online, 12 weeks, live sessions |
| Academy dates | 25 January to 18 April 2027 |
| Pitching stage | 19 April to 11 July 2027, for shortlisted ideas |
| Production | Funded teams make their films until October 2027 |
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Next intake | A second intake is planned to start in October 2027 |
Who can apply
- You must live in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or South Africa.
- You must be 18 or older on the day you apply.
- You need a laptop, reliable internet and steady power.
- You must be free to take part fully from 25 January 2027.
- You do not need any AI experience. You do need a body of creative work, even a small one, that shows your talent and commitment.
How to apply
- Check the rules on the Akuna Learning apply page.
- Prepare your personal details, a CV or profile, and proof of ID.
- Choose your preferred pathway and your area of expertise.
- Pick one example of your best work. Film or moving image work can be up to three minutes, and it does not need to use AI.
- Write a personal statement of up to 250 words on why you want to join and your interest in AI storytelling.
- Record a 60 to 90 second introduction video for this application. A phone camera is fine.
- Submit everything on the official application platform before 15 November 2026.
Tips before you apply
- Choose your strongest piece of work, not your longest. Three minutes is the limit for moving image work.
- Keep your intro video honest and simple. The organisers say they judge passion and authenticity, not production quality.
- Test your power and internet plan now. Live sessions run for 12 weeks.
- Read the FAQs and the academy timeline so you know every date.
- Do not wait for the last day. Upload problems are common close to a deadline.
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Details are taken from the official Akuna Learning website, checked on October 29, 2026. Confirm the current rules there before you apply.
