Docubox East African Documentary Fund
A production fund supporting documentary filmmakers in East Africa with grants for development, production, and post-production of nonfiction films rooted in the region.
Overview
Docubox is an East African documentary fund and community organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. The fund supports documentary filmmakers from East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and neighboring countries) with production grants, mentorship, and screening opportunities for nonfiction projects rooted in the region's stories and perspectives.
East Africa has a growing and increasingly visible documentary filmmaking community, and Docubox is at the center of this development. The organization provides not just financial support but also a creative community where filmmakers workshop their projects, share resources, and learn from each other and from international mentors.
Docubox also programs documentary screenings in Nairobi and other East African cities, building audiences for nonfiction work in a region where documentary cinema is still developing its domestic market. These screenings provide funded filmmakers with a platform to reach local audiences alongside international festival exhibition.
What It Covers
- Development grants for documentary projects in the early stages of research and development
- Production grants of up to $20,000 for documentaries in active production
- Post-production grants for projects nearing completion
- Mentorship from experienced documentary professionals
- Screening opportunities through Docubox's programming in East Africa
- Community with other East African documentary filmmakers
Eligibility
Applicants must be documentary filmmakers based in East Africa. Projects must be nonfiction films rooted in East African stories, subjects, or perspectives. Both first-time filmmakers and those with prior work are eligible. Feature-length and medium-length documentaries are considered.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Docubox website. Submissions include a project description, director's statement, budget, and work sample (if available). Deadlines vary by funding cycle.
Who Should Apply
Documentary filmmakers based in East Africa with nonfiction projects at any stage of development or production. The fund is particularly valuable for filmmakers in the region who may lack access to international funding networks.
See Also
For documentary production planning, use the Production Budget Calculator. For documentary filmmaking guidance, see Documentary Filmmaking Guide.
