Empowering the Next Generation of African Creatives
For over a decade, Mashariki has been at the forefront of reshaping the cultural and creative landscape of Rwanda and the African continent. What began in 2013 with the Mashariki African Film Festival has grown into a continental movement.
Our work has catalyzed the careers of hundreds of young creatives, supported the professional growth of artists from over 40 countries, and contributed to policy dialogues on creative industry development.
Who We Are
Mashariki Arts Academy is a professional film and creative training institution dedicated to nurturing Africa's next generation of storytellers.
Based in Rwanda and accredited by the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), the Academy offers intensive, practice-driven training that blends African storytelling traditions with global production standards. Our mission is to equip emerging creatives with the technical skills, creative confidence, and industry exposure needed to thrive in today's creative economy.
Through hands-on learning, mentorship from local and international professionals, and real production experience, Mashariki Arts Academy prepares students not only to tell powerful stories but to build sustainable creative careers across Africa and beyond.
We believe Africa's stories matter, and the future of global cinema depends on African voices that are skilled, confident, and industry-ready.
Africa's Creative Future
Mashariki Arts Academy blends African storytelling traditions with global production standards, empowering students to actively participate in and strengthen the creative economy.
Accredited by the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), our program delivers hands-on learning guided by experienced local and international professionals.
Our Mission
To build Africa's creative capacity by training, mentoring, and empowering filmmakers and creatives with practical skills, professional discipline, and global exposure; strengthening Africa's creative economy through storytelling, innovation, and collaboration.
Our Vision
To become a leading African center of excellence for film and creative training, shaping globally competitive creatives who tell authentic African stories and contribute meaningfully to the continent's cultural, social, and economic transformation.
What Makes Us Different
Practice First, Not Theory Heavy
Our programs are hands-on and project-based. Every student graduates with a professionally produced short film and real production experience.
African Stories, Global Standards
We ground our training in African narratives while teaching workflows and ethics aligned with international film industries and festivals.
Recognized & Credible Training
- RTB-approved certification
- Possible co-signed certificates with partner institutions
- Trusted by local and international cultural organizations
Career-Focused Outcomes
Top graduates access:
- Internships with partner organizations
- Film residencies across Africa
- Project development support throughMasharikiProductions
Our Approach to Learning
At Mashariki Arts Academy, learning is collaborative, immersive, and industry-oriented. Students work individually and in teams, guided by professionals who actively work in film and creative industries.
CALL FOR STUDENTS
Mashariki Arts Academy
Mashariki Arts Academy, an institution accredited by the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), is pleased to announce the opening of applications for its six-month professional short courses in film and creative arts.
The Academy operates under the Mashariki African Film Festival and in partnership with leading international film institutions:
Academic & Festival Partners
- Maine Film Center (USA)
- Vued’AfriqueMontréal (Canada)
- Africa Movie Festival Manitoba (Canada)
- Silicon Valley African Film Festival (USA)
- Off-Court Film Festival (France)
- Youth Film Platform Africa (Kenya)
- Perth Film School (Australia)
- Zanzibar International Film Festival – ZIFF (Tanzania)
- Africa Eye (United Kingdom)
- Centro Afro Carioca de Cinema (Brazil)
Programs Offered (6 Months)
Cinematography & Editing
This program focuses on visual storytelling through the camera. Students learn camera operation, lighting, composition, and visual language, alongside professional editing techniques used to shape rhythm, emotion, and narrative.
The course also introduces photography as a tool for exploring both the technical and aesthetic dimensions of the image.
Field Sound Recording & Sound Mixing
This course introduces students to the art and technical practice of sound in film. Participants learn location sound recording, microphone use, dialogue capture, ambient sound recording, and sound mixing to support mood, space, and storytelling.
Screenwriting & Directing
This program explores how ideas are transformed into films. Students develop skills in story structure, character development, dialogue writing, and visual narration, while also gaining directing skills such as working with actors, staging scenes, and translating scripts into compelling visuals.
Creative & Art Direction
This course focuses on building strong visual worlds for film and media. Students explore production design, graphic design, animation, and visual communication, with emphasis on color, space, texture, atmosphere, and meaning.
Certification & Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the six-month program:
- Students receive an RTB-approved certificate
- Selected partner institutions may co-sign certificates
- Final short films are considered forselectionby partner festivals
- Selected films will premiere in Rwanda during:
- MasharikiAfrican Film Festival
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)
Additional Benefits
(Included but not limited to)
- Production of a short film at the end of the program
- Festival attendance opportunities for top-performing students
- Fully funded film residencies for selected students in:
- Rubavu
- Zanzibar
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Togo
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Career guidance from international film professionals
- Internship opportunities with local partner organizations and companies
- The top three students with the strongest films will receive support to develop their next projects throughMasharikiProductions, including mentorship from faculty and international experts
Tuition Fees
3,000,000 RWF for the full six-month program
(Approximately USD 2,300 — subject to exchange rate variations)
Costs Not Covered by the Program
- International or domestic flights to and from Rwanda
- Local transport for non-academic activities
- Personal expenses
- Monthly stipends or pocket money
- Student visa costs
- Equivalence application fees
Students are responsible for all personal and non-academic expenses incurred during their studies.
Important Note
- Admission is limited to 50 students only
- This is a highly competitive program
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all nationalities (Rwandan and East African applicants are encouraged)
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Completion of secondary education or equivalent
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit:
- A completed application form (available on our websitewww.masharikiacademy.com)
- A personal statement outlining motivation and career goals
- Copies of high school transcripts, diploma, or certificates
- One letter of recommendation
Application Form:
(https://www.masharikiacademy.org/services#apply)
Application Submission
https://masharikiacademy.org/admissions
for more information
📧info@mashirikiacademy.org/masharikiartsacademy@gmail.com
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Notification of Selected Candidates: March 30, 2026
Learning Schedule
- 3-hour daytime sessions
- 3-hour evening sessions
- 6-hour weekend sessions
Why Join Mashariki Arts Academy?
- Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced local and international professionals
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with filmmakers, festivals, and industry experts
- Practical Experience: Hands-on training and real-world production project
Contact Us
🌐 Website: www.mashirikiacademy.org
📧 Email: info@mashirikiacademy.org