Google and The Akuna Group, chaired by British actor Idris Elba, have opened applications for a free artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking programme offering African creators professional training, mentorship and the opportunity to secure funding for film production.
The initiative, called From Script to Screen with AI, is open to eligible applicants in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and South Africa. Applications opened on October 26, 2026, and will close on November 15, 2026.
Supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org, the programme aims to help emerging filmmakers and digital creatives use AI tools to develop original stories and transform their ideas into films. The training curriculum was developed by Curious Refuge, an educational platform specialising in AI filmmaking.
According to Google’s official announcement, the initiative combines technical instruction with creative development and industry mentorship, giving participants a pathway beyond learning new digital skills.
For Nigerian creatives working with limited production budgets, the opportunity could provide valuable exposure to emerging filmmaking technologies and professional networks. However, receiving training does not automatically guarantee production funding, as only selected projects will progress through the programme’s pitching and funding stages.
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How the Free AI Filmmaking Programme Will Work
The initiative is designed to run for approximately 50 weeks, taking participants through training, mentoring, project development and potential film production.
The first stage is a 12-week academy covering AI-assisted screenwriting, world-building, animation and digital production workflows. Participants will then choose from five creative specialisations: fiction, documentary, animation, advertising and screenwriting.
Following the academy, eligible graduates can submit original project ideas for consideration. Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity to build creative teams and work with experienced mentors to refine their concepts before presenting them to industry panels.
Selected projects will receive production support and funding, with filming scheduled for the later stages of the programme. Completed productions are expected to be showcased in October 2027, providing successful teams with an opportunity to present their work to wider audiences.
The programme will be delivered through Akuna Learning, the education arm of The Akuna Group, in collaboration with Google and Curious Refuge.
Another important feature is intellectual property ownership. According to the organisers, creators will retain control of their work, with the programme partners making no claim to ownership rights over the films participants produce.
This could be particularly significant for independent African filmmakers seeking ways to develop commercially valuable creative projects while maintaining ownership of their original ideas.
Who Can Apply and How Nigerians Can Participate
The programme welcomes aspiring and emerging visual storytellers, including filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, photographers, designers, editors, advertising professionals and digital content creators.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and physically reside in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone or South Africa. They must also have access to a laptop, reliable internet connectivity and consistent electricity throughout their participation.
Previous experience with AI filmmaking is not required. Applicants do not need a film school qualification or a minimum number of years in the creative industry. However, they must provide examples of existing creative work that demonstrate their ability and commitment.
Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Interested Nigerians can submit their applications through the official Akuna Learning website before the November 15 deadline. Applicants should review the requirements carefully and ensure they can commit to the academy and subsequent programme stages if selected.
Although the training and application process are free, candidates should understand that production funding is competitive and is reserved for projects selected through the later stages.
Back Story: Why AI Filmmaking Matters for Africa
African filmmakers have built a vibrant creative industry, from Nollywood’s rapid growth to the expansion of streaming platforms and the increasing international visibility of African stories. Nevertheless, limited financing, access to equipment and professional training remain challenges for many independent creators.
AI is introducing new possibilities for developing scripts, creating animations, experimenting with visual effects and streamlining parts of the production process. These tools could help smaller creative teams explore ideas that might otherwise require larger budgets and specialised resources.
Google and The Akuna Group’s initiative seeks to connect these emerging technologies with practical filmmaking education and opportunities to develop finished productions.
For Nigeria, where digital content creation and film production support a large creative community, the programme offers a potential route for talented storytellers to strengthen their skills and explore new production methods.
Its long-term impact will depend on the number of creators who complete the training, the projects that receive funding and the opportunities successful participants gain afterwards. Still, the initiative provides eligible African creatives with a new avenue to develop their craft and bring original stories to the screen.
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