Call for projects for films and series in development: co-productions between Belgium (Wallonia and Brussels) and Senegal

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Introducing BATAO

The Bureau d’Accueil des Tournages en Afrique de l’Ouest (BATAO) is an initiative of Wallimage and the Centre Yennenga, with the support of Wallonie-Bruxelles International and the Direction de la Cinématographie du Sénégal. BATAO aims to promote and host audiovisual and cinematographic productions in Senegal, and in the sub-region. The office offers assistance services to film professionals, facilitating filming authorizations, location scouting and access to a database of qualified technicians.

Co-productions between Wallonia-Brussels and Senegal

Film co-productions between Wallonia, Brussels and Senegal have many advantages, both artistic andeconomic. They highlight thecultural richness and diverse histories of each region, encouraging an exchange ofartistic perspectives andinfluences. These collaborations enrich the quality and originality of the films produced. Cooperation between the two regions also offers opportunities for cross-financing and the sharing of technical and human resources, strengthening the financial viability of projects. Access to new markets is another key benefit, broadening the potential audience for films and increasing their visibility at international festivals.

Co-productions also enhance the skills of film professionals in both regions. By working together, they exchange know-how and benefit from mutual learning, which contributes to improved production standards and innovation in the film sector. Finally, these collaborations boost the film industry, creating jobs and stimulating the local economies of both regions.

Objectives of the call for projects

• Promoting international co-productions
  Promote opportunities for cross-financing.
  Encourage cinematographic collaborations between film professionals from Wallonia-Brussels and Senegal. Support cultural and artistic exchanges to enrich project content.

• Development of innovative projects
  Accompany film projects in their development phase, providing technical and artistic support.
  Provide follow-up and expert advice to enhance the quality and feasibility of projects.

• Professional capacity building
  To provide networking and collaboration opportunities for entrepreneurs in both regions.
  To enable professionals to share their skills and benefit from personalized support.

Eligibility requirements

Participants and their projects must meet the following conditions:

• Mandatory representation Projects must be presented by their producer, director, or author in the case of self-production.
• Attendance required Representatives must attend the workshops in Belgium and Dakar.
• Eligible projects Only feature-length fiction projects and series in development or pre-production with a legitimate natural interest in a Wallonia-Brussels-Senegal co-production (location, nationality of writers/directors/producers) are eligible.
• Language Applications must be submitted in English or French.

Workshop program

The workshop will be divided into two parts:

• Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur (FIFF)
  Dates : October 2 to 5, 2024
  Location: Namur, Belgium
  02/10: Arrival – Project pitch – Wallimage Gala
  03/10: Financing opportunities andsuccess stories– Gala
  04/10: Educ-tour– Visit to sets andtechnical industries
  05/10: Trip to Dakar

• Dakar Series Festival
  Dates : October 5 to 8, 2024
  Location: Dakar, Senegal
  06/10: Tour of scenery and tourist sites
  07/10: Visit totechnical industries – Meetings with professionals
  08/10: Participation in the Dakar Series Festival
  09/10: End

Three projects from each country will be selected to take part in the entire program.

Application form

The application file must contain the following information:

• Synopsis
• A minimum 15-page treatment.
• A note of intent from the author/director.
• A note of production intent, explaining the genesis of the project, the development strategy and expectations of the event.
• A moodboard (if available).
• Link(s) to the director‘s previous works.
• Filmography of the production company.
• Development budget and financing plan.
• CVs of the parties involved in the development.

Project selection

Applications must be submitted by August 19, 2024. Applications will be examined by a selection committee made up of recognized film professionals. Successful applicants will be notified individually.

Submit your application