NEWF Announces RECIPIENT of the Takalani Mulaudzi Development Grant at #NEWF2025
NEWF Story Labs is proud to announce the recipient of the inaugural Takalani Mulaudzi Development Grant, a special initiative that celebrates and supports African storytellers developing powerful documentary feature films about the ocean.
Honouring the legacy and spirit of Takalani Mulaudzi - a late matriarch of the South African film industry - this ZAR 250,000 (approx. USD 15,000) development grant is awarded to an African mid-career to experienced filmmaker with a proven track record—having produced or directed at least five short films and/or one to two feature-length films.
“It’s about bringing the stories that were never told to us to the people who deserve to hear them.”
Following a rigorous selection process that included selecting five (5) strong concepts and then moving them along to a second, independent jury - the grant has been awarded to Samira Vera-Cruz from Cabo Verde for her feature-length project Plastic Atlantis.
“Samira’s work exemplifies the spirit of the grant—deeply rooted in untold narratives, committed to environmental justice, and guided by a creative vision that uplifts African perspectives on the ocean. We are proud to support the development of a story that displays her professional growth, and speaks to her continual development as a fellow. ”
Applications for the Takalani Mulaudzi Development Grant were open exclusively to African filmmakers with a filmography demonstrating previous work and impact.
The grant supports the development of an ocean-focused documentary and the production of a compelling teaser. The selected project’s producer and director are also invited to a dedicated development and writing retreat hosted by NEWF.
“Being awarded with this grant is an immense honour—and one I do not take lightly. I carry the deep hope that through this project, I will make Takalani proud.
Beyond the financial support, the opportunity to engage with experienced mentors will be invaluable as we navigate this crucial development phase. It gives us the time and space to dive deep into the story with intention and clarity, with the goal of being ready to begin filming by the end of this year.”
Samira received a NEWF emerging filmmaker grant in 2022, using it to produce Sumare Mare, a short documentary that showcased her signature poetic gaze. She has since gone on to facilitate peer-to-peer mentorship within the NEWF community using her film as a case study, and sharing her production experiences with a new wave of emergent talent.
“This continued support speaks directly to my commitment to South-South collaboration and co-production, and affirms my belief that stories rooted in our islands can—and must—resonate far beyond their shores. This grant marks an exciting next step in my career and strengthens my resolve to keep telling stories that matter.”
With Plastic Atlantis, she will take viewers on a powerful journey into the heart of one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time—plastic pollution—while anchoring the story in the cultural and ecological richness of her home island.
For more information on Plastic Atlantis, the Takalani Mulaudzi Development Grant and other NEWF Story Labs, connect with us at storylabs@newf.co.za
ABout Plastic Atlantis
Born from pain, mourning and generational violence - a search for traces of Creole identity ensues along the littered Atlantic currents connecting Senegal, Cabo Verde and Brazil.
About NEWF Story Labs
NEWF Story Labs is an ongoing multi-tiered series of creative incubator programs dedicated to advancing African nature, environment, and wildlife storytelling through capacity building, mentorship, and grant funding opportunities. Established to empower local voices and preserve Africa’s natural history, NEWF supports inclusive and equitable access to storytelling platforms. NEWF Story Labs is an ongoing multi-tiered series of creative incubator programs dedicated to advancing African nature, environment, and wildlife storytelling through capacity building, mentorship, and grant funding opportunities. Established to empower local voices and preserve Africa’s natural history, NEWF supports inclusive and equitable access to storytelling platforms.
