DOCATHON AFRICA
A regional film festival challenging students across Africa to create impactful stories about local and global issues.
Register NOW for Docathon Africa!
The deadline for registration is December 30th, 2025! Submit your short documentary film by January 25th, 2025. (*contact us for extenuating circumstances) Film Screening and Festival: Feb 14th
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Why take part?
- Learn how to make a 5 minute film via a short course.
- Connect to local changemakers.
- Get mentorship from pros.
- Connect with student filmmakers from around the globe; watch and discuss the documentaries you've made.
- Gain VIP access to the online awards, win prizes.
- Demonstrate transferable skills and actions beyond academics
What to expect
Learn how to make a mini documentary by taking the "Filmmaking A Difference" course.
* No previous experience required!
- Research the story you want to tell.
- Explore your community and film.
- Edit your video to 3-6 minutes max.
- Submit your film before the deadline!
* No fancy cameras required!
- Share your Film: Present your work to filmmakers worldwide.
- Get Feedback: Receive insights and discuss themes with peers.
- Network: Connect with fellow filmmakers tackling similar topics.
Create, connect, and inspire global conversations through film!
Join the AWARDS!
Winning entries will be featured in the 'Oscars' ceremony hosted during the Changemaker Conference at the American International School of Budapest and streamed internationally.
The curriculum
Our Docathon course is designed to help you create your first ever short documentary - no prior experience, or fancy equipment, required!
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Welcome to Docathon!
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Everything you need to know
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Student Action Notebook
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Live Mentorship
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A key to good filmmaking
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Notes on your Student Action Notebook
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Sample Film: A Docathon-winning film!
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What did our judges think?
FREE PREVIEW
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A filmmaking secret
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3 questions you need to ask yourself
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Asking Meaningful Questions
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Types of Meaningful Questions or Prompts
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Student Action Notebook activity
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Introducing your Storyboarding mentor
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Storyboarding - What and Why?
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Storyboarding Techniques
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Storyboarding Tips & Tricks
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It's time to film! What you need to know
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Types of Shots
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B-Roll
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Audio
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DOs and DON'Ts: Filming Quiz
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Getting permission to film
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Let's film!
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It's time to edit your film!
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Narrative
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A quick summary of next steps
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Video Editors
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Sound and Music
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Graphics
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DOs and DON'Ts: Editing Quiz
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- For questions : [email protected]
About the organizers
The Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) is of Africa and for Africa. AISA is dedicated to transforming student learning by leading and supporting professional growth, good governance, strategic thinking, and the wellbeing of the entire AISA community of schools.
International School of Lusaka is recognised as one of the best international schools in Africa, empowering students to become transformational leaders. The school's mission is to provide a holistic educational experience for the diverse community and nurture lifelong learners who thrive locally and globally with a desire to make the world a better place.
MAD Courses empowers students to become storytellers and change-makers through interactive, online programs that blend creativity with social impact. From hands-on documentary filmmaking to immersive global citizenship quests, our courses ignite young voices to make a difference. We partner with schools worldwide to support student-driven projects that inspire action, empathy, and real-world connection.
Competition Theme
REGISTER MY INTEREST
Join the Docathon innovator's list for long-lasting impact! We envision schools hosting their own Docathons, and and joining regional and global competitions each year. It's not just a one-time thing; it's an ongoing journey of creativity and impact. Ready to join the adventure?