DEENTAL x MansAnimation

As part of the DEENTAL-ACP initiative—launched by the CNC with financial support from the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)—the DEENTAL x MansAnimation programme is being organised in partnership with the Maison des Mondes Africains (MansA). On the occasion of the Création Africa Forum 2025, six animation project leaders from African countries will be selected to take part in this programme, which will take place from October 12 to 19, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria. Launched in July 2020 and implemented by the CNC, the DEENTAL-ACP programme aims to strengthen the audiovisual sectors in ACP countries by promoting the professional development of local talents. This includes organizing events and professional meetings that help improve their technical, legal, and artistic expertise, while providing them with privileged access to international networks. MansA is responsible for the artistic and editorial direction as well as production oversight of the second edition of the Création Africa Forum, which will take place in Lagos from October 16 to 18, 2025. Led by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Création Africa Forum is a major event dedicated to the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)—a rapidly growing sector on the African continent. By mobilising African and French cultural ecosystems, the Forum aims to strengthen CCI economic sectors by connecting them with a broader international audience. The Forum’s programme is structured around eight dynamic CCI fields: TV series, animated film, immersive and extended realities, video games, comics, sound design, visual effects, and fashion from a digital and innovation-driven perspective. In each of these fields, selected project leaders will be invited to take part in a pitching session held on Friday, October 17. 📅 When? October 12–19, 2025 📍 Where? Lagos, Nigeria ⏳ Application deadline: July 6, 2025 (11:59 p.m. CET) ✈️ Travel details Arrival: October 12 Departure: October 19 Selected directors will receive full accreditation for the Création Africa Forum 2025 (October 16–18). They will attend a selection of training sessions, events, and professional meetings, and will publicly present their animation project during the pitch session on Friday, October 17. Participants will also benefit from mentoring sessions, focused on project development and pitch preparation, provided by two animation specialists—remotely in September, and in person during the three days prior to the Forum. 🧾 Costs covered Round-trip international travel between the participant’s place of residence and Lagos (Nigeria) Visa fees Local transfers between Murtala-Muhammed International Airport and the accommodation Hotel accommodation in Lagos Meals from the evening of October 12 to midday on October 19 (14 meals) Accreditation for the Création Africa Forum 2025 Participation in all activities of the programme ❗ Any other expenses incurred by participants during the programme (e.g. medical costs) will be at their own expense. Candidates are strongly encouraged to check in advance the coverage provided by their insurance policies. 📬 Application process Send your application to: deental@cnc.fr Except for the pitch video, all application materials must be combined into a single PDF file titled "FirstName_LastName". Required documents: A copy of your passport A cover letter (1 page max.) including: – Your professional background as a director – A brief overview of your current project(s) (format, development stage, needs) – Your motivation, goals, and expectations for joining the programme The director’s CV The producer’s CV (if applicable) Proof of prior experience in the film or audiovisual industry A 6-page artistic dossier in PDF format including: – Director’s statement of intent – Initial visual and literary bible with: • Written overview and graphic elements (characters, settings) • Synopsis with clear dramatic structure • Storyboard (if available) A pitch video (in French or English, max. 5 minutes) Video files are often too large to be sent by email. Please share them via a download link (WeSend, Google Drive, etc.). Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be considered.