The Sprint - The Story - The Spectacle
6 Shots at Greatness
90 Seconds at a Time
Filmmaking, stripped to its core: story. emotion. precision.
If you can move an audience in 90 seconds, we want your series.
About CINESPRINTS
CINESPRINT is not just a film competition. It’s a creative battleground for the boldest storytellers in Africa and beyond. We challenge filmmakers to craft six gripping 90-second episodes, a powerful story in just nine minutes.
Whether you’re a writer, director, or a fan of cinematic innovation, Cinesprint is your stage.
To push the boundaries of narrative cinema by distilling grand ideas into potent, compact stories—and to connect these stories with global audiences and industry leaders.
A world where 90 seconds of film can leave a lifelong impact. We champion raw emotion, bold ideas, and cinematic excellence in short-form storytelling.
Entries Are Open. Are You In?
2026 Competition Challenge
Create a 6-part micro-drama — each episode a tight, powerful 90 seconds — and bring to life the theme “The Unseen Connection.” Compete for over R1 million in prizes, get industry exposure, and showcase your craft at Africa’s biggest film gear expo.
Your Mission
Create an original 6-episode drama series
- Max 90 seconds per episode
- Total: 9 minutes runtime
- Must tell a complete serialized story
Theme & Format
This year’s theme: “The Unseen Connection”
- Interpret it your way — emotionally, socially, or spiritually
- Any genre is welcome
- Strong arcs, cliffhangers, and narrative tension are key
Technical Specs
- Aspect Ratios: 9:16 (mobile) + 16:9 (broadcast)
- Resolution: 1080p minimum
- Include clear audio + subtitles (SRT) for all episodes
Key Dates
- Registration Opens: Oct 17, 2025
- Submission Deadline: Oct 31, 2025
- Winners Announced: Dec 5, 2025
- Live at Africa Cinegear Expo
Prizes & Recognition
- Over R1,000,000 in gear + packages
- 1st Prize: R300K in sponsor gear
- Finalists screened live + shared with industry leaders
Standout Factors
Earn extra points for:
- Creative use of sponsor gear
- Behind-the-scenes content (BTS)
- Strong social media engagement
Who Can Enter?
- Teams of 8+ (Director, Writer, DP, Editor, Actors, Sound, Social Media)
- Open to all filmmakers across Africa
- Registration Fee: R3000/team
Partners & Platforms
Cinesprint is proud to collaborate with:
CINEGEAR WORLD AFRICA, Dramabox, and BRICS Africa Channel—broadcasting globally via SABC+, Freevision, and StarSat.
Ready to Sprint?
Registrations are now open! Bring your best story, your best team, and let’s make something unforgettable—in just nine minutes.