Docubox Opens First-Ever Call for Fiction Feature Development

Docubox, the East African Documentary Film Fund, has opened a call for the development of fiction feature films for the first time.

As part of the Docubox International Partnership Summit 2026, the Docubox Creative Producers Lab will support seven Kenyan producers developing feature-length fiction films. The programme includes a five-day in-person lab with an experienced creative producer, continued virtual support from story consultants and script doctors, and opportunities to connect with international partners, funders and industry stakeholders attending the summit.

At the end of the lab, five projects will each receive a $5,000 development grant to support script development, production bibles, fundraising materials and other tools needed to move the projects closer to production.

“Docubox remains a documentary film fund, and we will continue supporting documentary filmmakers. However, the organisation has continued to evolve since 2013,” says Docubox Executive Director Susan Mbogo. “In 2018, we began supporting short fiction films, and following our summit in 2025, filmmakers approached us seeking similar support for fiction features as we provide for documentaries. This development grant is our response to that need, to build an initial slate and see how it evolves.”

Founded in 2013 by Kenyan filmmaker Judy Kibinge, Docubox is East Africa’s first independent film fund. Since its inception, it has supported over 150 films, including feature documentaries, documentary shorts and short fiction films, while also playing a key role in filmmaker development across the region.

Notable supported films include documentaries such as Our Land, Our Freedom, South Sudan’s No Simple Way Home, How to Build a Library, The Battle for Laikipia and Softie.

In January 2026, Kibinge stepped down as Executive Director of Docubox, handing over the role to Mbogo. Kibinge remains a board member.

Applications for the Docubox Creative Producers Lab are now open, with submissions closing on 24 May 2026. Full eligibility details are outlined below.

Eligibility

• Fiction films only
• 60–120 minute runtime
• All genres accepted
• Stories set in Kenya
• At least two successful short films or one produced feature film

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