Call for Board Nominations

Realness Institute's mission is to unearth the wealth of African stories – stories from the continent, told with an honest and unapologetic point of view by African filmmakers. Our flagship training programs include Creative Producer Indaba, AuthenticA Africa Series Lab, and the PanAfrican Screenwriters Residency. Through these programs, we support writers, producers, and directors across the continent to develop their skills, expand their networks, and bring authentic African stories to international audiences. Our alumni network spans 193 talented filmmakers and industry professionals from more than 20 African countries who are actively shaping the future of African cinema and television and our partnerships with industry leaders include Netflix, Sundance, Locarno, IFFR Pro, Series Mania, and many more . 

Board of Directors Opportunity 

As we continue to grow our impact across Africa, Realness Institute is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. This year, we are recruiting 3-4 members to form our governance board. The Board provides crucial governance, strategic guidance, and oversight to ensure the organization's continued success and sustainability. 

We recently completed a 3-month strategic planning refresh and our strategic priorities for 2025-2027 include: 

• Expanding our program reach to underrepresented regions across Africa 

• Strengthening our financial sustainability through diversified funding sources 

• Deepening our pedagogical model the international visibility and distribution of African films 

• Building stronger regional industry ecosystems across the continent for film professionals 

We are looking to build a diverse board that represents the breadth of expertise needed to support our mission of elevating African cinema on the global stage. This board will work alongside a separate high-level Advisory Group comprised of industry leaders and influential figures who contribute strategic insights without governance responsibilities. 

Key Responsibilities & Commitment 

• Attend board meetings three times per year (2 hours each, with pre-reading materials) 

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight for organizational planning and growth 

• Ensure sound financial management and legal compliance 

• Actively participate in fundraising efforts through network connections, and helping to identify and cultivate potential donors 

• Serve as an ambassador for Realness Institute in professional and personal networks 

• Participate in at least one board committee as appropriate to your expertise 

• Commit to a three-year term of service (with possibility of renewal) 

Time Commitment: Approximately 4 hours evert other month, including: 

• Board meetings three times per year (2 hours each) 

• Document review and preparation time 

• Occasional representation at industry events or meetings 

• Fundraising activities and donor cultivation 

Compensation: This is a volunteer position. While board service is unpaid, reasonable travel expenses related to in-person board meetings may be reimbursed according to our policy. 

Desired Expertise and Qualities 

We welcome nominations from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Film Industry Connections: Relationships with funders, distributors, festivals, or other key stakeholders 

• Fundraising: Proven track record in donor cultivation, grant writing, philanthropic partnerships, or corporate sponsorships 

• Strategic Planning: Experience guiding organizations through growth and development 

• Financial Management: Experience in budget oversight, financial planning, and audit processes 

• Legal Expertise: Knowledge of nonprofit governance, intellectual property, and international contracts 

• Governance: Previous board experience and understanding of nonprofit best practices 

• Pan-African Representation: Deep understanding of regional contexts across the continent 

• Marketing/Communications: Skills in brand development and audience engagement 

Ideal Candidates Will Demonstrate: 

• Passion for African cinema and storytelling 

• Commitment to supporting the next generation of African filmmakers 

• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the African film landscape 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multinational environment 

• Willingness and capacity to actively participate in fundraising efforts 

• Enthusiasm for leveraging personal and professional networks to benefit the organization 

• Time availability to fulfill board responsibilities and actively engage with the organization 

Nomination Process & Selection 

Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by others. To apply, please submit: 

1. A current CV/resume 

1. A brief statement of interest (500 words maximum) that outlines:  

1. Your connection to African cinema or storytelling 

1. Relevant expertise and experience you would bring to the board 

1. Your vision for how you can contribute to Realness Institute's growth 

1. Names and contact information for two professional references 

Please submit nomination materials to Sheila (sk@realness.institute) by Aug 30, 2025. 

Selection Process: 

• All applications will be reviewed by our Nominations Committee 

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual interviews in Sept 2025 

• Final candidates may be asked to meet with current leadership 

• Board appointments will be announced in October 2025, with service beginning in November, 2025/ 

• New board members will receive a comprehensive orientation to the organization 

Our Commitment to Diversity 

At Realness Institute, we believe that our work is strengthened by diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We are actively seeking a board that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the African continent and diaspora. We strongly encourage nominations from: 

• Individuals representing different regions and languages across Africa 

• Those with varied professional backgrounds and expertise 

• People of all genders, ages, and abilities 

• Both established industry leaders and emerging voices 

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all board members can contribute fully to advancing our mission of supporting authentic African storytelling. 

For questions about the nomination process or to learn more about Realness Institute, please contact Mehret Mandefro at mm@realness.institute.