About Us: Supporting Independent Filmmaking in East Africa.
Founded in 2013 by an African filmmaker for African filmmakers, Docubox has grown organically, built on real—not externally perceived—needs of our storytellers. We believe that independent African filmmakers create the most bold, authentic, and necessary films—stories that challenge stereotypes, spark critical conversations, and shift perspectives about Africa and its place in the world.
For over 11 years, we’ve nurtured a community of trust where filmmakers don’t just create—they support, guide, and uplift each other, strengthening the industry from within.
What We Do:
- Funding & Grants – Direct support for both short and feature-length documentary and short fiction films, made possible through partnerships with The Ford Foundation, Doc Society, Scottish Documentary Institute, Robert Bosch Foundation, British Council, Comic Relief, Skoll Foundation, Kenya Film Commission, and more.
- Mentorship & Training – Over 70 workshops and labs on storytelling, post-production, and impact producing, with 600+ filmmakers trained through hands-on labs, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship.
- Distribution & Impact – We’ve screened over 200 films to 65,000+ in-person audiences and 3.4 million online viewers across cultural centers, schools, universities, cinemas, and community spaces in Kenya and East Africa—including our quarterly Shorts, Shorts & Shots event.
To date, Docubox has supported 31 short fiction films, 40+ feature documentaries, and 41 short documentaries through training and grants. Because for us, storytelling is about more than just filmmaking—it’s about owning our narratives and making an impact.
To learn more please visit us here
DOCUBOX Open Call for Filmmakers!
Docubox is inviting bold, original storytellers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and the DRC to apply for our latest funding call. We believe in the power of independent filmmaking to challenge narratives, spark conversations, and shape how we see the world. Through this call, we aim to support filmmakers in bringing their stories to life—whether fiction or documentary.
Calls Available:
- Short Fiction Films – $8,000 each
- Short Documentary Films – $8,000 each
- Feature-Length Documentaries – $20,000 each
Key Requirements:
- Feature-length documentaries should be in production or post-production.
- Short fiction and documentary films must be completed before December 2026.
- Selected filmmakers will participate in a workshop in the first week of July 2025 to refine their projects, connect with fellow filmmakers, and receive expert feedback.
What We’re Looking For:
- Feature-Length Documentaries – Strong, character-driven docs that offer an intimate look into people’s lives, their worlds, and the realities they navigate.
- Short Documentaries – Character-focused stories told with a unique and original perspective.
- Short Fiction Films – Bold, fresh storytelling that stands out.
For further inquiries applicants should contact submissions@mydocubox.org
THE AFRICAN MANIFESTO – OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE
African storytellers must reclaim their narratives. Too often, our stories have been shaped by external perspectives. At Docubox, we believe in telling our own stories.. in our own voices—boldly, honestly, and with the depth and complexity they deserve. This belief shapes everything we do, from the films we support to the way we engage with audiences.
That’s why we encourage all applicants to read “The African Manifesto” —a guiding principle for filmmakers committed to authentic storytelling. Curious about the full manifesto and what drives our work? Read more here