IDAA Student Program 2024
Who we are
Independent Directors Association Africa (IDAA) is a non-profit organisation established in 2022 that implements policies and programs for the transformation, equality, economic, cultural, and educational development and growth of film and TV directors and DOPs in South Africa, regardless of gender and colour.
We are committed to safeguarding the craft, artistry and the creative and economic rights of the directors and DOP’s as essential components of the diversity of their work in South Africa and beyond. Most importantly, to advocate for directors and DOPs on an ever-changing industry.
What is the program?
IDAA’s school program will cover the cost of both financially-strained and aspiring film-making students’ tertiary fees for directing and cinematography courses.
Our why
We aim to close the gap between students’ graduation and their entering the working world of the film industry at the bottom of their ladder: many students find themselves starting out as trainees or PAs despite their cumulative years of study.
Graduates may later seek a career change upon feeling vastly unprepared from the reality of the working world – and our program aims to rectify this issue. We want our students to be better positioned to work in their chosen departments with credible references upon graduation.
How?
To achieve this, students enrolled in our program will receive monthly one-on-one mentorship, offered by some of the best directors and DOPs in the continent, and have the opportunity to join our quarterly directors and DOP’s weekend-long bootcamp alongside their mentors.
During the mentorship, students will receive tasks, both creative and technical, to evaluate their growth and progress from their monthly mentorship and coaching, all of which will supplement their film studies. They will also receive monthly stipends to supplement their academic or basic living needs which will be assessed on a needs/case basis.
Once they have completed the program, graduates will receive certification which will confirm that they received mentorship and coaching from the industry’s best. They will additionally receive letters of recommendation from their mentors which will highlight their readiness to work in their relevant departments.
To Apply:
To apply for this program, applicants should submit their:-
- Certified copy of ID/Passport
- School details i.e., proof of enrolment into an accredited institution of higher learning with their student number and chosen course
- Supporting three-month bank statements
- A 500-word motivation letter that states why they want to be part of the program, why they should be chosen and their ultimate goal in the film industry.
Applications close on 18th December 2023
All successful applicants will be called for interviews in the first week of January 2024.
Kindly note that all IDAA members who apply will receive priority consideration.
We look forward to welcoming you as part of our program!
