# Pan-African Biennale Launches Short Film Open Call

Seeking short films that narrate Africa's creative future across 54 nations.

- **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.archdaily.com/1181605/pan-african-biennale-open-call-short-film>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a427b0da-1a73-4826-9468-0d106c235b76

## What is the Pan-African Biennale?

The Pan-African Biennale (PAB) is a continental initiative documenting Africa's built environment, urbanism, and creative visions across all 54 nations and the diaspora. It empowers architects, artists, and communities to shape their own spatial and cultural narratives through collaborative platforms.

## Objective of the Open Call

The biennale seeks short films that critically engage with contemporary African realities. Works exploring shifting landscapes, indigenous knowledge systems, and speculative futures are prioritized. Experimental, documentary, and hybrid formats challenging dominant narratives are encouraged.

## Eligible Participants

Filmmakers, artists, designers, and spatial practitioners from Africa and its diaspora can apply. Submissions offering nuanced local perspectives and challenging stereotypes receive special consideration. Collaborative projects between African creatives are highly encouraged.

## Accepted Film Formats

The call welcomes all innovative formats that push narrative boundaries, including but not limited to docufiction, animation, and interdisciplinary approaches. Maximum duration is 30 minutes. Works in progress with clear artistic vision may also be considered.

## Selection Criteria

Originality, technical proficiency, and cultural depth are key evaluation metrics. The jury prioritizes geographical diversity and underrepresented stories. Submissions must be made through the official online portal, with detailed guidelines available on the biennale's website.

## Why This Matters

This initiative amplifies Africa's cultural heritage on global platforms while fostering indigenous storytelling methods. By providing visibility for local creatives, it challenges monolithic narratives about the continent. The deadline for submissions will be announced soon.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.archdaily.com/1181605/pan-african-biennale-open-call-short-film — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
