tsi institute

Writing the Short Film

An intensive, fully online programme for emerging South African screenwriters to develop original short film scripts from idea to production-ready draft.

APPLICATION DETAILS FAQS

About

About the Programme

Writing the Short Film (WSF) is a fully online programme designed for ten emerging South African screenwriters who want to develop and complete original work. Over ten weeks – eight weeks of lessons and two weeks of industry preparedness – participants write and refine two short film scripts.

The programme combines structured mentorship, live sessions, and collaborative feedback, guided by working industry practitioners and supported by a dedicated course hub.

Applications open

Thu, 1 October 2026

Applications close

Thu, 15 October 2026

FORMAT

How it works

Duration

10 weeks of training: 8 weeks of screenwriting, 2 weeks of career and industry preparation

Sessions

Mondays and Wednesdays, 09:00 to 12:00 SAST

Masterclasses

Saturdays, 09:00 to 12:00 SAST

Structure

Weekly assignments, peer feedback, and mentor guidance

Access

Fully online, through a dedicated course hub

ELIGIBILITY

Who it is for

  • 18 years or older
  • South African citizen or permanent resident
  • Available full-time for the full 10 weeks
  • No prior screenwriting experience required

Priority is given to applicants aged 18 to 35 and applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

WSF is a full-time, intensive programme. In earlier cohorts, participants who were working or studying found it hard to keep up, so we ask that you commit to the full 10 weeks.

YOUR WORK

What participants develop

  • Two original short film scripts
  • A virtual table read of the first script, performed by professional actors
  • An external review of the second script by a panel of industry professionals
  • A professional portfolio of scripts and supporting materials
  • A certificate of completion

YOUR TOOLKIT

What participants receive

  • Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA) candidate membership (1 year)
  • WGSA script registration
  • WGSA Muse Awards entry
  • Licensed screenwriting software (Final Draft)
  • Data support

Working South African industry professionals contribute masterclasses, feedback and practical insight throughout the programme.

Instructor

Theoline Maphutha, WGSA

SCREENWRITER · INDUSTRY ADVOCATE · TRAINER · SCRIPT READER

WGSA Service Excellence Award winner and MFA graduate of the AFI Conservatory. Produces short films through TSI Productions.

“I designed WSF in response to the countless early-career writers who, despite having great ideas, struggled to bridge the gap between those ideas and a screenplay. By combining practical workshops, live table reads, and hands-on feedback within a structured framework, the course delivers the kind of industry-focused guidance not available elsewhere.”

Funding

Supported by the National Film and Video Foundation and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP).