Africa No Filter (ANF), an organization dedicated to changing the narrative about Africa, and Meta have announced a partnership to launch the "Africa of the Future: Storytelling, Worldbuilding" program, which aims to stimulate the use of virtual reality in storytelling in Africa.
The program will provide grants and mentorship to help augmented reality storytellers develop new and compelling content about Africa. "Africa of the Future: Storytelling, World Building" is part of Meta's commitment to promoting immersive technologies and joins Africa No Filter's investments in innovative storytelling that challenges negative stereotypes about Africa.
Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter, said: "Virtual reality has the potential to take storytelling to another level. In this new metaverse, audiences don't just watch a story unfold, they live it. This is an opportunity for African content creators to push the boundaries of their creativity and innovation."
Africa No Filter and Meta are inviting extended reality storytellers to apply to the program for funding of up to $30,000. Applicants must be of African descent and live on the continent, be over 18 years of age, have experience creating extended reality content, and have a portfolio of work that demonstrates their creativity and innovation.
They must also show how the proposed project will tell an exciting African story that will change stereotypical narratives about the continent. Projects may use 360 video, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.
The program is open to organizations and individuals.
In collaboration with Electric South and Imisi 3D, participants will also benefit from ongoing mentorship, production support, and opportunities to launch their projects at virtual or in-person events, including Electric South's Creators Lab to be held in February 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Sherry Dzinoreva, Meta's Director of Public Policy Programs for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, said, "We are thrilled to partner with ANF to launch a fund that brings together the best of the African tech ecosystem to showcase the innovations of the future and tell positive stories about Africa. Meta is at the intersection of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and social connection, and this investment is a vote of confidence in the strength of the African tech industry and its current potential. I am even more proud that Africa is helping to shape the metaverse experience from the ground up."
Applications will close on January 7, 2022, at 6 p.m. GMT. The program will run from February 13 to August 13, 2022. Participants must be available during these dates. The proposed project must also be completed within six months.
Apply here.
Press release