Palmtrees, a screenplay development incubator founded by Funa Maduka, has announced a strategic partnership with NEON for its inaugural cohort, aimed at discovering and nurturing emerging screenwriting talent across underserved regions.
In a statement, the incubator called for applications from writers in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania. Interested applicants are required to submit a treatment alongside the first 15 pages of a feature-length genre screenplay.
Selected participants will undergo intensive script development through one-on-one mentorship sessions with professional story analysts. Writers will also receive financial compensation throughout the programme, which will culminate in a three-week in-person residency.
According to the organisers, between eight and ten writers will be selected for the first cohort, with eligibility open to both first-time screenwriters and those with prior production credits. Selection, they emphasised, will be based strictly on the originality of the project and the clarity of the writer’s voice.
Applications opened on March 31, 2026, via palmtrees.dev, with submissions closing on June 1, 2026.
Speaking on the collaboration, Maduka praised NEON’s track record in elevating global cinema, noting that the company has consistently taken bold creative risks.
“NEON has expanded the boundaries of world cinema in recent years. Their instinct to support daring storytelling aligns perfectly with our vision,” she said.
In response, NEON’s founder and CEO, Tom Quinn, described the partnership as an opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices in the global film industry.
“Some of the most compelling stories today are coming from regions that have historically lacked global visibility. We are excited to work with Palmtrees to support the next generation of filmmakers,” Quinn said.
