Three African screenwriters, selected for the AuthenticA African Series Pitch, will present their projects at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France, Europe’s largest television series event. The pitch, scheduled for March 25th at 3 PM, aims to connect African storytelling talent with the global television industry.
The writers participated in the AuthenticA Series Lab, a six-month training program organized by the Cape Town-based Realness Institute, in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, with support from Series Mania Forum and Canada Media Fund. This program included online workshops, masterclasses, and residencies in South Africa and Switzerland, mentored by creative producer Mehret Mandefro and script consultant Selina Ukwuoma.
“Creating dedicated spaces for African screenwriters to develop their voice is essential for Africa’s storytelling future,” stated Mehret Mandefro, Acting Managing Director at Realness Institute. Selina Ukwuoma added, “AuthenticA has empowered these writers to confidently present their unique visions to the international market.”
David Rimer, Founder of The StoryBoard Collective, expressed excitement about the writers’ journey, emphasizing the program’s focus on authentic storytelling. Francesco Capurro, Series Mania Forum Director, highlighted the forum’s role in providing a global platform for African talent.
The featured screenwriters and their projects are:
Mlilo Mpondo (South Africa): Women from the 13th Floor (comedy-drama)
Talemwa Pius (Uganda): Mad Bounty and The Midnight Gun (Western)
Tony Koros (Kenya/USA): Money Town (comedy)
Mlilo Mpondo is a published writer known for her bold exploration of identity and womanhood, with her debut novel, Things My Mother Left Me, receiving critical acclaim. Talemwa Pius is an award-winning Ugandan screenwriter and director, recognized for his work that challenges African stereotypes. Tony Koros, a Sundance fellow and award-winning filmmaker, has gained international recognition for his short films.
The AuthenticA Pitch is part of a wider African presence at Series Mania Forum 2025, which also includes the African Talents & Industry Breakfast, a networking event aimed at fostering collaboration between African and international industry professionals. This breakfast is hosted by Maison des Mondes Africains, Institut Français, The Realness Institute, and the StoryBoard Collective.