What is the AKFF Academy?
The AKFF Academy is a five-week program by the Amsterdam Kurdish Film Festival that supports emerging filmmakers in developing their own film plans.
Throughout the Academy, participants work on their project, guided by professional filmmakers. Step by step, they turn an idea into a strong and concrete film plan that can be used to seek funding, build a team, and move the film forward.
The Academy exists because Kurdish stories and stories shaped by assimilation, identity, and resistance deserve space to be told and supported.
Why does the Academy exist?
For many Kurdish filmmakers, access to education, funding, and professional networks is limited or actively restricted. Censorship and political pressure make it difficult to develop films that address themes such as oppression, human rights, freedom, and cultural survival.
As a film festival, AKFF chooses not only to screen films but to actively invest in the people who make them. The Academy is a concrete step toward strengthening voices that are too often pushed to the margins.
Cegerxwîn AWARD
The strongest film plan developed during the Academy will receive €3,000 in start-up funding to further develop the project.
This award is called the Cegerxwin Award and is funded by Stichting Adar.
Who is the Academy for?
The AKFF Academy is open to Kurdish filmmakers and to Dutch filmmakers with an assimilated ethnic background.
This year’s theme, “Between Tradition and Transformation,” speaks to the tension between heritage and dominant culture. It reflects experiences that are central to Kurdish identity, but also shared by many other communities navigating assimilation and resistance.
Three places are reserved for Kurdish filmmakers. At the same time, filmmakers without a Kurdish background are strongly encouraged to apply. The Academy aims to create exchange, connection, and solidarity between makers.
Program Format
Bring your idea, leave with a clear film plan. Over six weeks, mentors and peers help you shape story, structure, and next steps. Open to anyone, wherever you are.
An introduction to the cohort and the programme. We set shared goals, discuss each project, and sharpen the core question of every film plan. Lenina provides inspiration and context for the trajectory ahead.
A focused session on creative development. We explore story, structure, research, and theme. Through practical exercises, early ideas are shaped into a clear and workable project outline.
A mid-point review offering tailored feedback on each project. This session focuses on identifying and removing creative roadblocks while strengthening the maker’s voice and direction.
This session is dedicated to refining the project for funding and next steps. Participants work on their logline, synopsis, structure, timeline, and budget, with an emphasis on creating a fund-ready plan.
In the closing session, projects are presented and discussed one final time. Participants receive final feedback and practical advice for moving forward toward production, pitching, or funding applications.
Practical information
- Start: 26th of March 19:30
- Duration: 26th of march, 2nd of april, 9th of april, 16th of april, 7th of may
Frequency: 1 evening per week - Session length: 2 hours. From 19:30 till 21:30
- Format: online
- Language: English (sufficient proficiency required)
- Applications close on Monday, 2 March at 12:00 (noon). You will hear back from us with a decision on Friday 6th of March 18:00
FAQs
Have questions about submitting your film to the Kurdish Film Festival? We’ve gathered the most common ones here.
Who can apply?
The Academy is open to filmmakers with a Kurdish ethnic background and to Dutch filmmakers with an assimilated ethnic background. You do not need to speak Kurdish or Dutch, but English is required.
Do I need experience?
Having a clear idea for your film is essential. Prior experience is helpful, but not required. We select participants based on potential, motivation, and the strength of the idea they want to develop. A short film, video essay, or visual project is sufficient to show your style.
What kind of projects are accepted?
The Academy focuses on creative documentaries in early development. These are ideas that still require research, structure, and mentorship. Fiction projects, series, or finished films are not part of this program.
How long does the Academy last?
The program runs for 5 weeks, starting in the last week of March.
How much time should I reserve?
You should plan for approximately 2 to 3 working days per week. This includes workshops, assignments, and time to develop your film plan.
Is the Academy free?
Yes. There is no participation fee. The Academy is supported by AKFF and its partners. One participant will receive the Cegerxwîn Talent Award of up to €3,000 to continue developing their project.
In which language are the sessions held?
The working language is English. A sufficient level of English is required.
Do I need to live in the Netherlands?
No. The Academy is international and largely online, so participants can join from anywhere. Some activities may take place in Amsterdam during the festival, but participation in these is optional.
How are participants selected?
All applications are reviewed by a small selection committee. We look for originality, artistic vision, and commitment. Each year, six participants are selected to ensure close and personal guidance.
When will I know if I am selected
Applications close on Monday, 2 March at 12:00 (noon). By Thursday, 6 March at 18:00, all applicants will receive an email informing them whether they have been selected or not.
What happens after the Academy?
You will leave with a complete film plan ready for funding or production, new connections within the film industry, and visibility through AKFF’s network. Alumni are often invited to future festival events and collaborations.
