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From Story to Screen: Foundations of African Filmmaking & Creative Business Beginner’s Program – Overall Synopsis (Essence) The Flickfunds Africa Beginners Masterclass is a foundational, 8-part virtual program designed to introduce aspiring filmmakers, students, and young creatives to the creative, technical, and business fundamentals of African filmmaking. Rooted in African storytelling traditions and aligned with global industry standards, this program guides participants through the complete journey from idea to screen. It bridges cultural identity with practical skill, helping learners understand not only how films are made, but why stories matter, how they generate value, and how creative careers are built sustainably. By the end of the program, students gain: • A strong understanding of African storytelling as identity and economic asset • Practical knowledge of filmmaking stages (development, production, post-production) • Insight into film business, marketing, and distribution • A clear roadmap for starting and growing a creative career This program serves as the entry gateway into Africa’s creative economy and the foundation for professional advancement.

Beginner’s Program – Series Breakdown Series 1: Introduction to African Storytelling Tagline: Our Stories, Our Wealth, Our Future. Synopsis: This series introduces African storytelling as both cultural identity and economic power. It explores oral traditions, myths, folklore, and historical narratives across Africa, while demonstrating how global successes like Black Panther and The Woman King prove the world’s demand for African stories. Students learn why ownership of narratives matters and how storytelling fuels culture, jobs, tourism, and influence. Series 2: Film Production Basics Synopsis: This series breaks down the filmmaking process into its three core stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. Learners gain clarity on how ideas move from concept to set, how teams are structured, and how planning determines success. It demystifies filmmaking workflows and prepares beginners to understand the professional structure of film production. Series 3: Scriptwriting & Story Development Tagline: If it’s not on the page, it can’t be on the screen. Synopsis: Focused on the heart of filmmaking, this series teaches how ideas become scripts. Students learn story structure, character development, dialogue, conflict, and screenplay formatting, using African and global case studies such as Living in Bondage, October 1, and Lionheart. Emphasis is placed on writing stories that are culturally authentic yet globally resonant.   Series 4: Cinematography & Directing Essentials Synopsis: This series explores how scripts are translated into visuals. It introduces learners to visual storytelling, camera language, shot composition, lighting, and directing actors. Students gain insight into how directors and cinematographers collaborate to create mood, emotion, and meaning on screen. Series 5: Editing & Post-Production Basics Tagline: The cut is the heartbeat of cinema. Synopsis: This series explains how films are shaped in post-production through editing, sound design, music, color grading, and visual effects. Using African and global examples, students learn how pacing, emotion, and narrative clarity are created after filming, and why post-production is often where films are truly made.  Series 6: The Business of Film – Budgeting & Financing Synopsis: This session introduces filmmaking as a business. Learners are exposed to budgeting, basic financing structures, and how films generate revenue. The series helps creatives understand that sustainability requires financial planning, not just artistic passion.  Series 7: Marketing & Distribution Foundations Tagline: A story untold is forgotten; a story well-shared is eternal. Synopsis: This series teaches how films reach audiences. Students explore marketing strategies, distribution channels (cinemas, streaming, TV, festivals), and the challenges facing African filmmakers. Case studies such as The Wedding Party and Lionheart show how visibility drives success. Series 8: Building Your Creative Career Synopsis: The final beginner series focuses on career development. Learners are guided on networking, positioning, credibility, and long-term growth in the creative industry. The session consolidates all lessons into a personal roadmap for building a sustainable career in film and the creative economy.