Albantsho, a leading storytelling platform enhancing African stories through a story marketplace, has unveiled finalists of the highly anticipated iDraft screenwriting programme for 2023.

The programme attracted an overwhelming number of impressive submissions from talented screenwriters across the continent, vying for the opportunity to participate in an intensive eight-week programme that will guide participants in refining their stories, from concept to production-ready screenplays.

Following a meticulous evaluation process by the panel of judges, comprised of industry professionals and experienced writers, Albantsho arrived at the following finalists: Kelvin Amamize (Nigeria), ‘Homebound’; Beaty Opanga (Kenya), ‘The Stowaway Princess’; Tawanda Vombo (Zimbabwe), ‘Motapa’; Ogochukwu Umeadi (Nigeria), ‘Katari’ and Hope Matthew (Nigeria), ‘The Dream Job’.

Others are Chitaru Junior (Zimbabwe), ‘The Girl Who Saw Ghosts’; Nkeoma Umudu (Nigeria), ‘Taagbo’; Ademola Aderinale (Nigeria), ‘Kappi’; June Wairegi (Kenya), ‘Unmade’; Francis Onyeka (Nigeria); ‘Like Minds’; Evelyn Gachuchu (Kenya), ‘Rivaval’ and Chioma Lawrence (Nigeria), ‘A Walk on Chalks’.

Victoria Ogunwemimo (Nigeria) ‘The Dreamer’ and Rishama Madaki (Nigeria), ‘The Divorcees’ are also on the finalist list. The Programmes Director, Daphne Atstutse, said the finalists demonstrated an exceptional ability to craft engaging narratives with compelling characters, aimed at showcasing the human experience. Their scripts span a diverse range of genres, from heartwarming dramas to thrilling horrors and historical fiction, unveiling the untapped depth of African storytelling.

The iDraft workshop will be led by a team of writers and mentors, including Amanda Moresco, Chucko Esiri, Chidi Barbara, Gilbert Bassey, Nikita Mokgware, Emil Garuba, Lauren O’connor, Stephen Asamoah, Odolina and the enigmatic facilitator, Jamil Quebaka.

The group will guide participants on a transformative journey of self-discovery, helping them unleash their cathartic stories and develop projects ready for production. Partnering producers, Red TV and Temple Films will evaluate the scripts for potential production.

The workshop will culminate in the Griot panel event on July 28th, where Albantsho’s product will be officially launched to the public, and winners of the Annual Scriptwriting Contest will be announced during a grand award ceremony.