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When did Sauti Plus Media Hub announce the 2025 IKON Fellowship?
The iKON Awards, Uganda’s premier film and television recognition platform presented by SAUTI plus Media Hub and partners, has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program (YFFP). Emerging filmmakers aged 18 to 30 with a passion for storytelling are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2025.
What are the iKON Awards?
The iKON Awards: Film & Television are an initiative designed to recognise, reward, connect and educate outstanding practitioners in Uganda’s film, television, and broader media sectors.
Founded by Humphrey Nabimanya and run by SAUTIplus Media Hub in partnership with organisations such as Reach A Hand Uganda, the Awards aim to strengthen Uganda’s creative industries by celebrating excellence and fostering new talent. The 2025 iKON Awards’ theme is “Back to the Roots,” with organisers emphasising traditional attire in this year’s formal proceedings as a way of promoting cultural identity.
What is the Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program 2025?
The Fellowship is one of the iKON Awards’ flagship initiatives to cultivate the next generation of storytellers. It is designed for young, enthusiastic filmmakers (aged 18-30) who wish to tell meaningful stories and make a mark in the industry.
Here’s what the 2025 fellowship will involve:
- Grant Support: Selected fellows will receive a financial grant to produce a short film of between 5-10 minutes.
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Thematic Focus: Fellows are expected to propose story ideas that align with socially relevant themes, including:
- HIV/AIDS (spread, prevention, positive living, stigma)
- Teenage Pregnancy
- Climate Action (effects, resilience)
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (harassment, rape, defilement, domestic violence)
- Family Planning (safe and unsafe abortion, post-abortion care)
- Menstrual Health / Hygiene
- Gender (roles, equity, relationships)
- Mentorship: Each fellow will be paired with experienced filmmakers who will guide them through the production of their short films.
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Submission Requirements: Applicants must submit a proposal including:
- A logline (one-sentence summary of the story)
- A plotline covering key plot points from beginning through end
- Character biographies (up to three main characters)
- A mood-board showing visual style, tone, and production design ideas
- Evaluation & Exposure: Completed short films will be publicised, with winners chosen based on both public voting (30%) and a jury evaluation (70%) from the iKON Awards Guild.
- Grand Prize: In previous editions, top fellows have been awarded bigger production opportunities, including feature-film grants, in addition to recognition at the iKON Awards ceremony.
Why this matters
The iKON Awards and its fellowship seek to bridge the gap between emerging talent and the professional industry. For many young Ugandans, access to funding, mentorship, visibility, and networks are major hurdles. This programme offers:
- Financial support to bring ideas to life
- Technical and creative mentorship
- A platform to showcase work and gain recognition
- An opportunity to be part of Uganda’s growing film ecosystem, contributing to socially relevant storytelling
How to apply & deadline
Applications for the Young Filmmakers Fellowship 2025 must be submitted by 30 September 2025.
Interested applicants can apply via the official link:
https://forms.gle/VZCrf6EK5HTS82GQ6
Applicants should ensure their proposals include all required components (logline, plot, characters, and moodboard) and clearly indicate their chosen theme. The fellowship is open to Ugandan citizens or residents aged 18 to 30 years.
What to expect after
Once selected, fellows will receive:
- The grant
- Mentorship and technical guidance
- The opportunity to produce their short film
- Showcase and media exposure
- Potential to compete for further film funding and awards through the iKON Awards
What you need to know
For young filmmakers keen to tell compelling, socially conscious stories, the iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship 2025 presents a rare and valuable opportunity. With mentorship, funding, and national exposure, this initiative continues to nurture Uganda’s next wave of storytellers.
The clock is ticking — all applications must be submitted before 30 September 2025 via this official link.
