As short-form, mobile-first storytelling continues to transform the global entertainment landscape, FAME Week Africa has announced the launch of the FAME Micro Drama Pitching Competition, a groundbreaking new initiative designed to discover and develop Africa’s next generation of micro drama creators.
Presented in partnership with Story Oasis and Media Valley the competition will provide emerging storytellers with the opportunity to pitch original micro drama concepts while receiving professional development, production and post-production support to bring their stories to life.
Micro dramas—short, highly engaging scripted series designed primarily for mobile viewing—have become one of the fastest-growing content formats globally, attracting millions of viewers and opening new opportunities for creators, brands and streaming platforms. The initiative reflects FAME Week Africa’s commitment to ensuring African creators are positioned at the forefront of this rapidly expanding market.
“We’ve seen how quickly the micro drama format has evolved internationally, creating entirely new opportunities for writers, directors and producers,” says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa. “Africa has no shortage of incredible storytellers. This competition is about creating a pathway for emerging talent to develop commercially viable stories while connecting them with industry experts who can help bring those ideas to market.”
A PLATFORM FOR AFRICA’S NEXT STORYTELLING TALENT
The competition will invite creators from across Africa to submit original scripted micro drama concepts for consideration.
Entrants will be required to submit:
- A two-page concept document
- A five-page pitch deck
- Team biographies
- A statement of intent
Click here to submit your mirco dram pitch.
Following an adjudication process by an industry panel, six finalists will be selected to pitch their projects during FAME Week Africa 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 28 October to 1 November 2026.
The winning team, consisting of up to two creators, will receive a comprehensive package of industry support designed to help move their project towards production.
SUPPORTING STORIES BEYOND THE PITCH
Rather than offering a cash prize, the competition focuses on helping creators develop production-ready content.
The winning project will receive:
- Story development support from reputable story consultants comprising of a two hour consult, written forensic notes on story and guidance on the micro drama story structure.
- Media Valley’s 450m sqm Sound Stage booking for one full day, including lights and the Media Valley LED Volume, as well as video editing facilities which will include a video editor for their completed micro drama
- Exposure to broadcasters, platforms, producers and investors attending FAME Week Africa
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between great ideas and market-ready content while building sustainable pathways for African storytellers.
“Micro Dramas are the next frontier of entertainment, and Media Valley is thrilled to support the search for great ideas with its studios and high-end technology. This is a celebration of African creativity, innovation, and the storytellers bold enough to shape the future,” says Eileen Sandrock, COO at Media Valley
Story Oasis is proud to partner with FAME Week Africa on the inaugural Micro Drama Pitching Competition. “Africa has no shortage of extraordinary stories. This competition exists to ensure they our stories are made in this exciting format. To every storyteller who submits to this competition: your story matters. Tell it with confidence and tell it with specificity to this format, says Andrina Moodley, Co-founder of Story Oasis.
Competition Timeline
- Call for Entries: 3 August 2026
- Submission Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Finalists Announced: 30 September 2026
- Live Pitch: 28-30 October 2026
Click here to submit your mirco dram pitch.
EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF MICRO DRAMA
The launch of the competition will be complemented by a dedicated conference session exploring the rapidly growing micro drama economy. The discussion will examine why micro dramas have become one of the fastest-growing entertainment formats globally, how brands are entering the space, and what opportunities exist for African creators.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027
FAME Week Africa has also announced the launch of the FAME Micro Drama Film Festival, set to debut in 2027. “The inaugural festival will celebrate outstanding African micro dramas and showcase the continent’s growing expertise in short-form storytelling,” says Hiller.
The official call for entries will open in February 2027, creating another platform for creators to share their work with audiences, broadcasters and industry professionals from around the world.
