Majoaneng-Academy of Images and Letters

09/05/2026

The 3rd edition of Majoaneng is officially underway.

This week, the first cohort gathered for a series of fascinating conversations on cinema, literature, storytelling, memory, and the difficult yet beautiful process of creating. New voices entered the room carrying different dreams, questions, and ways of seeing the world.

At Majoaneng, we continue to believe that stories matter, especially those born from our own landscapes, languages, silences, and lived experiences.

Over the coming months, the cohort will move through workshops, discussions, collaborative exercises, and eventually the production of a short film.

21/04/2026

03/04/2026

Majoaneng—Academy of Images and Letters invites young storytellers and aspiring filmmakers to apply for the 3rd edition of our intensive project-based filmmaking workshops.

Participants will engage in hands-on training in storytelling and collaborative filmmaking, working closely with mentors to develop their creative ideas.

At the end of the programme, participants will collaborate on the production of a short film.

Submit a 500-word personal essay explaining why you would like to be part of the programme.

Email: [email protected]

01/08/2025

✍ 📝

31/07/2025

Majoaneng – Academy of Images and Letters is excited to open a call for entries for its second edition. The first edition saw the production of the short film ‘Our Memories Were Made of Wool, Not Stone’, where our trainees took part in directing and screenwriting workshops to contribute to a poetic short film that explored the themes of memory, and the transient nature of the human experience.

Now, we shift focus to literature and journalism. In alignment with the collaborative nature of Majoaneng, applicants will produce both fiction and narrative non-fiction works, whilst also being provided with space and guidance to explore the depths of their own creativity and engage in a deeper way with the world around them, becoming artists and thinkers equipped with the tools to shape literary culture.

To apply, send us a personal essay or motivation letter of why you would want to join the programme; of up to 500 words, at: [email protected] Applications close on the 25th of August 2025.

21/06/2025

🎬 Behind the Scenes | “Our Memories Were Made of Wool, Not Stone.”

Step into the world behind the lens of "Our Memories Were Made of Wool, Not Stone"—a poetic short film led by Leteka Phillip Leteka and Moso Sematlane, developed through the Majoaneng-AIL initiative.

Over four months, five young trainees deepened their craft in directing, cinematography, and storytelling—growing not only as filmmakers but as attentive observers of the world around them.

📸 These gorgeous, film-like behind-the-scenes photographs were captured by Thandiwe Tumo, one of our very own trainees—an emerging talent with a powerful eye for mood and moment.

✨ The 2025 edition of Majoaneng-AIL will run from July to October, with a new focus on literature and journalism, including fiction and narrative nonfiction.

📷 Slide through and enjoy.

20/06/2025

A pre-production meeting for the short film "Our Memories Were Made of Wool, Not Stone", led by filmmakers Leteka Phillip Leteka and Moso Sematlane.

The project was the culmination of a four-month training program with five young trainees, who developed their filmmaking craft through collaborative mentorship, writing labs, and production planning. Rooted in themes of memory, tenderness, and disappearance, the film is a testament to what can grow from careful guidance and shared vision.

Looking ahead, the 2025 edition of Majoaneng-AIL (running from July to October) will shift focus from film to the written word—offering dedicated workshops in literature and journalism, with an emphasis on fiction and narrative nonfiction.

We remain committed to nurturing new voices and fostering radical imagination across mediums.

— From Nov 2024

19/06/2025

19/06/2025

Majoaneng-AIL hosted a script development workshop for the short film “Our Memories Were Made of Wool, Not Stone.”

Led by writers and filmmakers Leteka Phillip Leteka and Moso Sematlane, the workshop brought together emerging storytellers for an intensive exploration of memory, loss, and the poetic textures of life.

Through collaborative dialogue and revision, the team dug deep into the emotional and visual language that will define the film’s spirit.

Stay tuned as this story continues to evolve.

— From Aug 2024