A new screenplay incubator has been launched to discover and develop emerging writers from Africa, the Caribbean, Oceania, and other underrepresented regions, offering mentorship, funding, and a residency programme. Palmtrees, in partnership with NEON, is accepting applications from writers at any career stage, seeking to unlock compelling stories from areas that lack the infrastructure to develop them fully.
Funa Maduka, Palmtrees founder, said the initiative was born from a belief that “some of the most compelling stories in the world are emerging from regions that lacked the infrastructure needed to develop them fully.” She noted that this shortfall has often made it difficult for such stories to meet the rigour expected in the global market. Maduka is credited for directing and producing the first Nigerian film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Tom Quinn, founder and CEO of NEON, said his company was “thrilled to partner with Funa and her team at Palmtrees to help identify and support this next generation of filmmakers.” Applications opened on March 31, 2026, and require a treatment and the first 15 pages of a feature-length genre screenplay. Selected participants will develop their scripts through intensive one-on-one work with dedicated story analysts and will be compensated throughout the three-week in-person residency.
For Nigeria’s creative economy, the incubator represents a significant opportunity. Nollywood, already a major employer and cultural export, stands to benefit from enhanced script development, potentially increasing the international competitiveness of Nigerian films. By connecting local talent to global markets, such initiatives can drive foreign exchange earnings, attract co-productions, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for creative content in Africa.
