Applications Now Open for the 2026 Netflix ScreenCraft Pathways Programme in South Africa

Netflix partners with local film bodies to empower 30 South African storytellers through paid, hands-on training and industry mentorship.

Johannesburg – 3 November 2025: Applications are now open for the 2026 Netflix ScreenCraft Pathways Traineeship Programme. This initiative by Netflix, in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, aims to nurture and elevate the next generation of South African creative professionals in film and television. The programme will be administered by Tshikululu Social Investments, a social investment fund management and advisory firm.

Thirty (30) selected participants will gain practical, paid experience within the local screen production industry. Emerging creatives can apply by visiting the Tshikululu website on www.tshikululu.org.za.

More About the Programme:

Developed by Netflix, the ScreenCraft Pathways Programme offers participants an opportunity to gain experience in crucial below-the-line roles across pre-production, production, and post-production roles. The programme builds on the success of Netflix’s 2024 initiative which supported 13 rising creatives through a pilot on-the-job training program. The pilot accentuated the transformative impact of structured, real-world training in advancing South Africa’s creative economy.

By expanding its investment in South Africa’s screen sector, Netflix aims to strengthen local production capacity, unlock youth employment opportunities, and contribute to an inclusive creative economy by ensuring that each placement is both impactful and aligned with industry needs.

Participants will gain exposure through Netflix’s network of local production partners – including vetted studios, vendors, and production companies.

Each of the 30 selected trainees will receive:

A competitively-renumerated role on a film or TV production managed by a Netflix-affiliated production partner of a vendor for the duration of the project.
Mentorship and supervision from established industry professionals.
Access to Netflix-led technical production and skills-development workshops.
Opportunities for professional networking and long-term career development.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 to 35 years.
Hold a degree or diploma in Film, Television, or related field.
Be an entry-level candidate with less than two years of professional experience in the industry.
Applicants will be required to submit links to existing work or supporting documentation to validate their credentials and demonstrate relevant experience.

Trainees will be selected through an open application process administered by Tshikululu Social Investments. For more information about the eligibility criteria, the application and selections process, please visit https://www.tshikululu.org.za/applications/ to submit an application.

Applications close on 14 November 2025 at 16H00. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Keitumetse Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission:

Keitumetse Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission: “This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting young creatives through meaningful industry exposure and mentorship. Programmes like Screen Craft Pathways provide a direct link between learning and employment, helping us build a more resilient and inclusive film sector. We value Netflix’s continued investment in local talent and are excited to see how this partnership contributes to Gauteng’s growing role as a centre for film excellence.”

Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of KZN Tourism and Film Authority: “These are the kind of partnerships that we are always looking for as an entity, where young filmmakers can gain practical and real experience in massive productions. This kind of experience will be valuable when they begin to venture into their own journey to create their own productions someday. This is the beginning of even greater things for our creatives in KZN.”

Shola Sanni, Netflix Director of Global Affairs in Sub-Saharan Africa: “This collaboration is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can accelerate industry transformation. ScreenCraft Pathways highlights the value of economically empowering creative career paths, directly aligning with South Africa’s national goals of job creation and skills development. With the programme, we’re expanding that impact and creating a stronger bridge between talent, opportunity, and the future of storytelling.”

Media Contacts:

Lesego Malete

Group Account Director

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About the partners: Netflix, Gauteng Film Commission, KZN Film & Tourism Authority

Netflix: Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

Gauteng Film Commission: The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is the regional bedrock of the local film industry. Founded in 2002, the GFC’s mandate is to facilitate and enhance the contribution of the industry to the economic growth of the province. The GFC markets Gauteng, with its world-class infrastructure, recognised expertise, and wide range of locations, as a destination of choice for those seeking to engage in all aspects of filmmaking. Acting as a centralised, industry-intelligence hub, the GFC also provides access to film throughout Gauteng through various screenings and initiatives, ensuring that film can be experienced by all. Website: www.gautengfilm.org.za

KZN Film & Tourism Authority: It is a new entity merging KZN Film and Tourism KZN. Its main goals are to promote and market the tourist and audio-visual sectors, facilitate sector development, provide sustainable growth and job opportunities, and address historical infrastructural, skills, and resource inequalities.

Tshikululu

Established in 1998, Tshikululu is South Africa’s leading social investment fund manager and advisor, working alongside investors and other development partners to maximise the power of social investment. We define social investment as any financial commitment – from grant making to impact investing – that seeks to drive and measure social impact. Our service offering is underpinned by a deep and hands-on understanding of the complexities of development and social investment. As agents of social change, we partner with our clients throughout South Africa to realise their social investment goals. Over more than two decades, we have operated in every province in the country, covering urban and rural areas, and collaborated with social investors in various industries including mining, financial services, the creative economy, renewable energy, property development, banking, insurance, healthcare and logistics.