In an exciting development for Africa’s creative industry, four exceptional screenwriters from the continent have been chosen for the 2024/25 AuthenticA Series Lab, a prestigious program that aims to propel their television series ideas onto the global stage. The program, spearheaded by the South African-based Realness Institute, received over 160 applications from 27 countries, with genres ranging from drama to comedy.
The four selected writers—Talemwa Pius (Uganda), Aden Abebe (Canada/Ethiopia), Tony Koros (Kenya), and Mlilo Mpondo (South Africa)—will have the opportunity to develop their projects with expert mentorship, and eventually pitch their series at the highly competitive Series Mania Forum in France.
Kenyan filmmaker Tony Koros, known for his acclaimed short film Tithes & Offerings, has been selected for his project Money Town, a dramedy series. Koros, who has garnered international attention with multiple grants and fellowships, is now set to showcase his talent on an even larger platform.
The AuthenticA Series Lab offers African screenwriters a rare chance to craft their series ideas into fully-fledged pilot scripts and create “pitch bibles” to take to international markets. This year’s program, supported by key partners like Switzerland’s StoryBoard Collective, Series Mania Forum, and the Canada Media Fund (CMF), spans six months of intense development.
International Exposure for African Talent
The journey for these writers begins with an in-person residency at the scenic Coot Club in South Africa’s Western Cape, followed by online sessions and a second residency in Geneva, Switzerland. Their efforts will culminate in March 2025 at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France—a hub for more than 4,200 TV professionals from 70 countries.
Series Mania Forum, one of Europe’s leading TV industry events, provides unmatched visibility for African talent. Laurence Herszberg, General Director of Series Mania, expressed her excitement about the collaboration: “Series Mania is proud to partner with Realness Institute for the third consecutive year. We are thrilled to provide a platform that amplifies African voices and celebrates the diversity of global television.”
Creative Mentorship and Global Collaboration
Guided by Story Expert Selina Ukwuoma and Creative Producer Mehret Mandefro, the program provides tailored mentorship for each writer, ensuring their projects meet international standards. “Giving African screenwriters a space to tell their authentic stories is essential for building a more inclusive global media ecosystem,” said Mandefro.
Swiss philanthropist Laure de Peretti de la Rocca, Director of The StoryBoard Collective, underscored the importance of television in connecting cultures: “TV series have the power to transcend borders. We are excited to explore the diverse stories from these talented writers.”
A Spotlight on Social Justice
Among the selected talents is Aden Abebe, a Canada/Ethiopia-based multidisciplinary artist, whose project 333 brings together her passion for comedy and social justice. Sponsored by the CMF, Abebe’s work stands at the intersection of art and activism. “We are thrilled to support Aden’s participation in the AuthenticA Series Lab and can’t wait to see her unique perspective brought to life,” said Jessica Lea Fleming, Director of Growth & Inclusion at the CMF.
The Future of African Storytelling
The other participants include Talemwa Pius from Uganda, known for his award-winning short film Engaito, who will be developing a Western series titled Mad Bounty and The Midnight Gun, and Mlilo Mpondo from South Africa, an award-winning writer and novelist, whose dramedy series Women from the 13th Floor will explore powerful narratives rooted in African society.
With the AuthenticA Series Lab, Africa’s rich storytelling tradition is set to take a bold step forward, with its stories primed for a global audience.
As the African film and television industry continues to gain momentum, the impact of programs like this cannot be underestimated. By supporting diverse voices and fostering high-level talent, the AuthenticA Series Lab is opening doors for African storytellers to shine on the world stage.
