HerStory Films Mena

HerStory Films Incubator in Kingdom of Bahrain.

This is a call for female film directors to apply to HerStory Films film x Bahrain incubator with their short film projects. In today’s ever evolving creative scene, providing an opportunity for women to find themselves and gain their place in the industry is an essential step, not only to develop their artistic skills, but also to bring their perspective to the process and the story. We believe that the more women are part of the filmmaking industry in leadership positions the more we change the narrative across all segments.

HerStory Films Film Incubator offers an introduction to the filmmaking industry and capacity building for emerging women filmmakers from Bahrain through the first ever Incubator for Female Filmmakers in Egypt with a focus on gender sensitive capacity building. The Incubator is a talent-focused development program. Filmmakers come to the Incubator with a short film project. The main aim is to provide specific knowledge, skills, connections and inspiration to enable each participant to advance themselves and their careers.

Up to three female directors will get production opportunities for their short films, aiming at changing the narrative for women through film.

This program is proudly presented in partnership and the support of Bahrain Film Festival and Bahrain Cinema Club.

Program Timeline

Application Announcement:  December 15th 2024.

Application Deadline: January 29th 2025.

Announcing selected projects: February 12th 2025.

First workshop and orientation online: February 13th 2025.

Sessions and Workshops online: April – June 2025.

Pitching and Announcement for film grants in Bahrain: June 22nd – June 26th 2025.

Film production timeline: September 2025 – May 2026.

– No classroom meetings and sessions in Ramadan 2025.

– Sessions are all held online.

Project Eligibility Criteria:

 

  • Directors apply with short film script and treatment.
  • Directors can also be the writers of the film script.
  • Women led projects; i.e., female directors and female writers.

Applicants Eligibility Criteria:

 

  • Applicants must have prior experience, such as creating a film during university or as a personal project in their free time. They should also understand directing and have a completed film to their credit.
  • Have written film treatment/pitch deck and script.
  • Directors applying with their short film script in development have its legal Rights (Optional).
  • Be available to participate in all sessions.
  • Resident in Bahrain

FAQs

What is a Film-Incubator?

The Film Incubator is a mentorship program designed to support mid-career female filmmakers bring fresh, diverse stories to the screen. The program supports participants through every stage of production—from concept development to distribution by providing one-on-one mentorship sessions with industry professionals, personalized project guidance, and networking opportunities with other filmmakers.

At each milestone in the program, projects are evaluated by experts from the film industry, narrowing them down to a smaller number. Finalists are offered the opportunity to have their projects produced by HerStory Films MENA and bring their stories to life on screen.

Can I apply with more than one project?

Yes

Do I need to have previous work?

Yes. Applicants must have prior experience, such as creating a film during university or as a personal project in their free time. They should also understand directing and have a completed film to their credit.

Does the film have to be in Arabic?

Yes

Do I need to speak English to join the incubator?

It is not a must but encouraged. All workshops will be in Arabic but some visiting

speakers might only be speaking in English.

How long do I need to be committed for this program?

The total program spans 3 months of capacity building online. And to be present in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the Pitching, Announcement for Film Grants and Film Production Phases. There will be a Ramadan and Summer break.

Do I need to apply with a producer?

No

Does the film team have to be all women?

We are an inclusive environment and all genders are welcome.However, the director and writer need to be women.

What is the age bracket?

21 to 99 years of age 

Do I need to be based in the Kingdom of Bahrain?

We are excited to host this incubator online. However, the participants must be a resident of Bahrain during the Pitching, Announcement for Film Grants and Film Production Phases.

Who funds this program?

This program is proudly presented in partnership and the support of Bahrain Film Festival and Bahrain Cinema Club.