CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Consultancy: Documentary Film Production – Transforming Gender Norms and Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws for Inclusive Protection Across Lesotho
Organization: Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D)
Project: Transforming Gender Norms and Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws for Inclusive Protection Across Lesotho
Funding Partner: European Union (EU)
Duration: October 2025 – 2028
Application Deadline: 06 November 2025
1. BACKGROUND
The European Union (EU), in partnership with Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D), is implementing the project “Transforming Gender Norms and Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws for Inclusive Protection Across Lesotho”, funded under contract NDICI/2025/484490.
This 36-month initiative (2026–2028) aims to enhance the protection and well-being of women and children in Lesotho by promoting the effective implementation and widespread awareness of the Counter Domestic Violence Act, 2022, especially in hard-to-reach communities.
With Lesotho ranking 144/162 on the Global Gender Gap Index and 86% of women reportedly experiencing lifetime physical or intimate partner violence, this project seeks to create widespread change through mass media, social media, and community engagement, targeting over 104,500 individuals by 2028.
2. OBJECTIVES
The consultancy will produce an international documentary film titled:
“Transforming Gender Norms and Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws for Inclusive Protection Across Lesotho.”
The film will:
- Raise global awareness of the Counter Domestic Violence Act (2022) and its role in reducing gender-based violence (GBV).
- Highlight real-life experiences of survivors, duty bearers, and communities.
- Promote international dialogue on gender equality and GBV prevention.
- Support the project’s goal to achieve a 45% increase in awareness among target groups by 2028.
- Ensure the film is culturally resonant, inclusive, and accessible to international audiences.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will be responsible for the full production process, including planning, filming, editing, and delivery.
Key Tasks
- Project Understanding & Planning: Review project documents, align with SM&D and EU objectives, and conduct inception meetings.
- Script Development: Draft bilingual scripts (Sesotho & English) incorporating real stories while maintaining confidentiality.
- Storyboarding: Create detailed visual sequences to ensure narrative clarity.
- Casting & Location Scouting: Identify local talent and filming locations across Lesotho, ensuring diversity and safety.
- Filming & Production: Capture high-quality footage, including interviews, dramatizations, and community engagements.
- Editing & Post-Production: Produce polished films with subtitles, accessibility features, and high-definition visuals.
- Ethical Considerations: Obtain informed consent, comply with safeguarding policies, and protect participant data.
- Dissemination Support: Recommend outreach strategies for community and social media screenings.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with SM&D, EU Delegation, and local leaders for feedback and validation.
4. DELIVERABLES
- Inception Report: Within 2 weeks of contract signing (including methodology, work plan, and storyboard drafts).
- Draft Films: Within 8 weeks – preliminary versions with raw footage samples.
- Final Films: Within 12 weeks – including:
- One main documentary (15–20 minutes)
- 3–5 short videos (30–60 seconds each) for social media awareness
- Subtitled versions in Sesotho and English
- High-resolution photographs from filming
- Source Files & Assets: Editable versions of all scripts, storyboards, and footage.
- Presentation & Debrief: Session with stakeholders to showcase the final products and discuss dissemination strategies.
5. DURATION
12 weeks, commencing upon contract signing, with fieldwork scheduled for early 2026.
Key milestones include:
- Week 4: Script approval
- Weeks 5–7: Filming
- Week 12: Final film delivery
6. QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in film production (documentaries, social issue campaigns, or advocacy).
- Academic qualification in Film, Media Studies, or related field.
- Proven ability to create culturally sensitive content in African contexts.
- Proficiency in HD filming and editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro).
- Strong team composition (director, cinematographer, sound engineer, editor).
- Fluency in English and Sesotho with knowledge of subtitles and accessibility features.
- Commitment to ethical standards, child protection, and data privacy.
- Portfolio of similar work with references from previous clients.
7. REPORTING
The consultant will report to the Project Coordinator at SM&D, providing bi-weekly updates.
All deliverables will also be shared with the EU Delegation in Lesotho.
8. BUDGET
The total consultancy budget will include fees, production costs, logistics, and travel (as agreed in the contract).
Payment structure:
- 30% – upon contract signing
- 40% – upon draft submission
- 30% – upon final approval
All financial proposals must include VAT and all direct/indirect costs.
9. COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All materials produced (films, scripts, photographs) will be the exclusive property of SM&D and the EU.
The consultant must transfer all intellectual property rights upon completion.
10. LOGISTICS AND SUPPORT
SM&D will provide:
- Access to communities and project information
- Required permits and coordination support
The consultant will be responsible for:
- Equipment, accommodation, and travel arrangements
- Fieldwork logistics and safety planning
11. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated as follows:
- Technical Proposal (50%) – Methodology, approach, and project alignment
- Experience & Qualifications (30%) – Portfolio, team CVs, relevant expertise
- Financial Proposal (20%) – Cost-effectiveness and value for money
12. APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates or firms must submit:
- Technical proposal (methodology, work plan, team CVs, portfolio samples)
- Financial proposal
- Three references
Submission Deadline: 31 October 2025 (17:00 SAST)
Applications should be sent to:
📬 Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D)
P.O. Box 7080, Maseru 100, Lesotho
📧 [email protected]
13. ADDITIONAL NOTES
- All consultants must comply with EU data protection and ethical research standards.
- Women-led firms, Lesotho-based consultants, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- All deliverables will be reviewed by SM&D and the EU Delegation prior to approval.
Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D)
📍 Linakeng Street, House 15, Maseru East
📞 Tel: +266 2232 1446
📧 Email: [email protected]
✅ Deadline for Applications: 06 November 2025
This consultancy is funded by the European Union (EU) under contract NDICI/2025/484490 and implemented by Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D) as part of the project “Transforming Gender Norms and Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws for Inclusive Protection Across Lesotho.”