Empowering The Next Generation Of Storytellers
From grassroots community screenings to the main stage in Paternoster, we are equipping West Coast and Western Cape youth with the skills, mentorship, and platforms to share their authentic voices
Introduction
At the Wonder of Africa Film Festival, youth development is not an afterthought—it is a foundational pillar. Through our strategic partnerships with the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA), Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation (Ocean Campus Studios), the Isivivana Centre (Bertha House) we have established a dedicated filmmaking pipeline.
We take emerging storytellers from their very first community screening, through hands-on filming challenges, all the way to global festival premieres and industry mentorship.
THE 2026/2027 YOUNG FILMMAKERS PIPELINE
The journey began on 6 October 2026 at Bertha House in Khayelitsha. Facilitated by the Isivivana Centre and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, 30 selected young storytellers gathered to watch Wild Waterfront. This grounded participants in environmental and community storytelling before they pick up a camera.
Equipped with phones or cameras, our 30 participants take part in a guided wildlife tour at the V&A Waterfront on 9 October 2026. They are given a focused brief: create a short film (maximum 90 seconds) that creatively incorporates WATER as a central theme.
All entries are evaluated by a panel of industry judges. The top-ranking short films are awarded prizes sponsored by the V&A Waterfront, and the Top 3 films earn a special screening at the official WOAFF Launch Event on 16 November 2026 at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
The Top 12 filmmakers from the challenge progress into the prestigious Young Creatives Student Challenge, led by James Byrne (ITFFA) in partnership with Nikon. Between November and March, these young creatives receive ongoing training, equipment access, and professional mentorship to refine their craft.
The journey reaches its high point in April 2027! The final films created by our YCSC cohort are officially showcased at the inaugural Wonder of Africa Film Festival in Paternoster.
To ensure lasting impact, selected films travel beyond the main festival, returning to the Bertha House cinema and community hubs across the Western Cape throughout 2027.
Key Dates
3 October 2026: Wild Waterfront screening & brief at Isivivana Centre (Bertha House)
9 October 2026: Guided filming day across the V&A Waterfront
12 October 2026: Submission of 30 participant films
30 October 2026: Announcement of the 12 Finalists at Isivivana Centre
6–8 November 2026: Finalist Challenge Weekend at the V&A Waterfront & Aquarium
16 November 2026: Official Pre-Launch Event at Two Oceans Aquarium (Top 3 films screened & winners announced)
7–10 April 2027: Main Festival Showcase in Paternoster (Top 10 YCSC films screened)
Our Programme Partners
Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation / Ocean Campus Studios: Venue host, conservation storytelling, and logistical support.
Isivivana Centre (Bertha House): Community outreach, youth recruitment, and screening venue.
ITFFA & Nikon: Student challenge framework, technical training, and industry mentorship.
iKasi Creative Media: Industry placement and graduate internship pathways.
