Discovery is looking for the next great African filmmaker

Submissions for the Discovery Channel Don't Stop Wondering Award open on Monday, 19 February and close on Monday, 28 May. The competition calls for two to five minute documentaries from filmmakers across Africa which showcase and celebrate unique African stories and capture Discovery Channel's ethos of “sparking curiosity”. 

"Last year's entries blew us away, with their creative, emotive and thought-provoking portrayals of the diversity of Africa's culture and people," said Amanda Turnbull, VP and country manager for Discovery Networks Middle East and Africa.

"This year, alongside the Jozi Film Festival, we are excited to once again to recognise and reward Africa's talented filmmakers, and showcase even more creative stories that fulfill Discovery Channel's ethos of sparking curiosity." 

Added Lisa Henry, Jozi Film Festival founder and organiser: "Partnering with Discovery Channel was a wonderful success and thanks to this award we were able to showcase some amazing African talent. This year we look forward to the entries we will be receiving."

This year's prize from Discovery Channel will include a Canon XF-405 video camera with Singer Photographic camera accessories worth over $5,800 in order for the winner to use for their next filming project.

"We are so pleased to be able to contribute to such an incredible initiative and provide aspiring filmmakers with our equipment which is specifically designed to help them create more of their memorable stories," said Roger Machin, Canon product manager, Professional Imaging Products. 

"We believe that given the correct tools and production equipment, these innovative and determined individuals will be able to create even more amazing work and ensure that the continent gets to see high quality story telling," said Kevin Singer of Singer Photographic managing director. 

African stories

The Top 10 films, as selected by a Discovery and Jozi Film Festival jury, will be broadcast on Discovery Channel in July and August and later at the seventh annual Jozi Film Festival in September.

The winning film will be selected by popular vote via the voting tool on Discovery's website: www.discoverychannelafrica.com and the winner will be flown to Johannesburg to receive their prize at the Jozi Film Festival awards to be held on Sunday, 30 September 2018. 

Entrants must be 18+ and be an African resident. Submitted films must be in English or include English subtitles. To enter go to discoveryafrica.com, terms and conditions apply. The closing date is the 28 May 2018. 

In 2017 Discovery Channel launched its partnership with the Jozi Film Festival with its Discovery Channel Don't Stop Wondering award. After over 200 entries and over 2000 votes received from across the continent, the inaugural award went to Dusty Van Niekerk's The Tragedy of Africa, which depicted the sad reality of rhino poaching across Southern Africa, and encouraged viewers to take action to help save the rhinos.