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Organisers have
invited entries for this year’s edition of Babylon International
Workshop on film. Filmmakers from Africa and Europe with stories
dealing with cross continental issues are eligible to apply for the
training funded by the EU-Media Mundus and the Nigerian Film
Corporation (NFC).

A release disclosed
that the stories should appeal to audiences and film enthusiasts in the
different markets in Europe and Africa. In the same vein, adaptations
of novels which deal with colonial history and or with the cultural and
literary heritage, either in Africa or Europe also meet the criteria
for entry and participation.

However, all
adaptations must be accompanied by grant of authority from the original
writer(s) or publisher(s) and an option deal or proof or purchase of
underlying rights. Furthermore, applicants should be qualified
professionals with at least two years experience in the industry.

In addition to a
substantial track record in the industry, with at least one film behind
and a viable project which would be developed within the programme, all
applicants must also be able to demonstrate the ability to undertake
first draft script, full-length treatment, storyboard or trailer of
proposed project and knowledge of English or French.

African and
European participants whether producers, directors or screenwriters,
must have some established or proposed interest in working across
continents. This is with the intention of ensuring a high quality of
products capable of reaching international markets. Participation
attracts a fee of 300 Euro for the whole programme. Half of the
travelling expenses to Berlin, Germany in May 2011 will be borne by
Babylon International, while the other half will be borne by
participants.

The 2010 edition of the festival ran back to back with the Zuma Film Festival organised by the NFC in Abuja.

Four Nigerian
projects, ‘The Land’ by Funke Oyebanjo and Sebari Diette-Spiff,
‘Wahala’ by Farouk Lasaki, ‘Letter to the Prof’ by Chike Ibekwe, and
‘My Brother’s Sin’ by Jide Bello were selected then.

Babylon
International provides high level, project-based training and
mentorship for producer /writer-director teams seeking to broaden their
access to the international film industry.

One of its major
objectives is to create opportunities for co-productions between
African and European filmmakers in the areas of story development,
production techniques, and access to the international market through
its network of industry consultants, funders, international sales
agents and distributors.

Interested participants should visit www.babylon-film.eu for further application details.