Threads of Africa 2026 Fashion Film Prize
Stories of Rebirth
Entries Close: 17 July 2026
Open to: Creatives across Africa and the African diaspora
Grand Prize: USD 25,000
Overview
Threads of Africa 2026 invites creatives to document, revive, and reimagine Africa’s endangered, forgotten, or underused textiles, garments, and traditional techniques through fashion film.
Africa’s textiles carry centuries of cultural knowledge through weaving, dyeing, stitching, and craftsmanship. Many of these traditions are at risk of being lost. This competition seeks to preserve and promote them by encouraging storytellers and designers to bring their stories to life on film.
Participants are required to create a short fashion film highlighting the origin, significance, and future potential of a chosen African textile, garment, or technique.
Theme
Stories of Rebirth
Every entry must focus on one endangered, forgotten, or underused African textile, garment, or technique.
The film should:
- Document its heritage and history
- Explore how it is made
- Reimagine its future relevance
- Demonstrate its cultural and economic value
What You Will Create
Participants must produce:
A Three-to-Five-Minute Fashion Film
The submission should connect heritage research with a contemporary fashion narrative.
The film should include:
Story Origins
- Documentary-style interviews with knowledge holders such as:
- Weavers
- Elders
- Historians
- Artisans
Creative Process
- Showcase the design and production journey from source material to the final fashion outcome
The Case for Revival
- Explain why the textile or technique deserves preservation and renewed use
- Highlight its cultural significance
- Demonstrate its commercial potential
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
- Fashion designers
- Filmmakers
- Students
- Creative teams
Applicants must be of African descent and may be based in Africa or the diaspora.
Applications may be submitted:
- Individually
- As a team
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Choose an endangered, forgotten, or underused African textile, garment, or technique
- Submit an original, research-led fashion film proposal
- Properly credit all collaborators and knowledge holders involved in the project
Prizes and Benefits
Grand Prize
USD 25,000
The prize is awarded as a non-dilutive grant, meaning recipients retain full ownership of their ventures and give up no equity.
Additional benefits include:
- At least three mentorship sessions with judges and industry leaders
- Featured inclusion in the Threads of Africa: Rebirth film series and exhibition
- Visibility through Threads of Africa and partner platforms
- Access to the Elevate Africa Convening
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Cultural authenticity and research depth – 30%
- Creative innovation and design excellence – 30%
- Narrative power and emotional impact – 25%
- Commercial and revival viability – 15%
Strong submissions will demonstrate:
- Thorough research
- Authentic storytelling
- High-quality design and craftsmanship
- A compelling case for future commercial relevance
Important Dates
- Entries Open: 11 June 2026
- Entries Close: 17 July 2026
- Judging Period: August 2026
- Winners Announced: October 2026
Intellectual Property and Rights
Credit Remains with Creators
- All uses of selected films will permanently credit the designer and storyteller behind the work.
- Threads of Africa will hold copyright to submitted films and documented collections for archival, promotional, and commercial development purposes.
- Commercial use of selected works will operate under a transparent revenue-sharing model involving the creators.
About Threads of Africa
Threads of Africa seeks to reposition African fashion as a driver of:
- Cultural diplomacy
- Economic growth
- Sustainable creative industries
The 2026 edition expands beyond fashion design to focus on storytelling, documentation, preservation, and the revival of African fashion heritage.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application form, which includes:
- Applicant Information
- Team Details
- Background Information
- Project Proposal
- References
- Workspace Information
- Declarations
- Final Submission
Required applicant information includes:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Email address
- Phone number
- Preferred language of communication