Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab Opens Application for 6th Edition

The Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab (GLCPL) is now officially accepting applications for its 2026 edition. Founded in 2021 by Aftales Film Hub (Kenya) and Kiasi Productions (Uganda), the GLCPL was built to address a critical gap in the African film ecosystem by providing structured, high-level producer training that bridges creativity and industry practice. The lab has grown into one of the continent’s most vital spaces for professional growth, collaboration, and African storytelling.

The lab is a 5-day residential workshop scheduled for 26th to 30th October, 2026, designed to empower producers with hands-on training from leading African and international industry professionals. Through workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and peer learning, participants strengthen their creative instincts, leadership skills, and production knowledge. GLCPL accepts applications from producers attached to documentary and fiction films currently in development, from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and the DRC. 

The Lab strengthens the professional foundations of the African film sector by empowering producers to develop, finance, and deliver projects that meet international standards while retaining strong local voices. 

When it debuted in 2021, the Lab was focused on the East African film ecosystem. In 2023, it expanded to include West African producers by welcoming both fiction and documentary producers from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Congo, Cape Verde, Egypt, and Ethiopia. This year’s lab introduces a new career track for producers not presenting projects in development, emphasizing the lab’s  commitment to long-term career growth and  industry leadership. 

The Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab is centered on collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for African storytelling. Thus, selected applicants will be contributing to further building the African film ecosystem. The deadline for applications is 25th May, 2026.