In a major move to spotlight underrepresented voices in global cinema, Palmtrees, a screenplay development incubator, has announced a strategic partnership with NEON for its inaugural cohort.
The initiative is designed to discover and nurture bold storytelling talent from regions often overlooked by the global film industry—including Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
What the Program Offers
For its first cohort, 8 to 10 writers will be selected to participate in the incubator.
To apply, writers must submit:
- A feature-length screenplay treatment
- The first 15 pages of a genre script
Selected participants will undergo intensive one-on-one development sessions with professional story analysts, helping refine their projects to meet global standards.
Even more encouraging—
Writers will be paid throughout the program, reinforcing Palmtrees’ commitment to valuing creative work.
The program will conclude with a three-week in-person residency, offering participants a rare opportunity for immersive collaboration and industry exposure.
Open to All — No Experience Barrier
In a refreshing shift from traditional industry gatekeeping, Palmtrees has made it clear:
- First-time writers and experienced screenwriters are equally welcome
- Selection is based purely on story strength and clarity of voice
There is:
- No advantage for prior credits
- No penalty for being new
This positions the incubator as a truly inclusive platform for authentic storytelling.
📅 Applications opened: March 31, 2026
⏳ Deadline: June 1, 2026
🌐 Apply via: palmtrees.dev
The Vision Behind Palmtrees
Palmtrees was founded by Funa Maduka, a respected industry executive who previously led international original films at Netflix.
During her tenure, she helped shape Netflix’s global film slate, contributing to acclaimed titles such as:
- Roma
- Atlantics
- Divines
Maduka is also a filmmaker, credited with directing and producing the first Nigerian film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival—a milestone for Nollywood’s global recognition.
Why This Partnership Matters
Speaking on the collaboration, Maduka highlighted NEON’s bold approach to cinema:
“NEON has done more to expand the definition of world cinema in the last five years than any company in the business. They take real creative bets—and that instinct is the basis for our collaboration.”
Echoing this, Tom Quinn emphasized the importance of discovering new voices:
“Some of the most vital voices in cinema today are emerging from places that have been historically underrepresented on the global stage.”
A Timely Opportunity for Nollywood and Beyond
At its core, the Palmtrees incubator is driven by a powerful belief:
The world’s most compelling stories already exist—what’s missing is access and development infrastructure.
Maduka puts it simply:
“There are extraordinary writers in these regions. What they lack is not talent—but sustained, serious attention.”
What This Means for Nigerian Filmmakers
For Nollywood creatives and aspiring screenwriters, this partnership signals:
- Increased global visibility
- Access to high-level story development
- A pathway to international distribution networks
As the global appetite for diverse storytelling continues to grow, initiatives like Palmtrees could become a launchpad for the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers.
