At a time when global audiences are demanding richer, more authentic representation on screen, FAME Week Africa is once again placing inclusive storytelling at the centre of the conversation.
The continent’s leading creative industry platform has officially announced the return of the Inclusive Lens Awards for 2026 — an initiative dedicated to recognising filmmakers, producers, creators and industry changemakers who are actively reshaping film and television through diverse, representative and culturally resonant storytelling.
More than simply another awards programme, the Inclusive Lens Awards have become a growing movement within the global screen industry — one focused on ensuring stories from historically underrepresented communities are not only visible, but valued.
A platform designed to challenge traditional storytelling boundaries
The Inclusive Lens Awards celebrate creators and productions that move beyond conventional industry narratives, spotlighting stories that reflect the full complexity of human experience across gender, sexuality, disability, childhood representation and identity.
As conversations around representation continue to evolve globally, the awards arrive at a critical cultural moment where visibility is no longer viewed as optional, but essential.
According to Martin Hiller, the initiative reflects Africa’s growing role in shaping the future of inclusive global storytelling.
“The Inclusive Lens Awards recognise the creators and changemakers who are not only telling these stories, but reshaping the industry in the process,” he says.
“Africa has a powerful role to play in this global shift, and these awards are about ensuring those voices are seen, heard and valued.”
EarCandy powers the movement for African storytelling
Returning as the official partner behind the awards is EarCandy, widely recognised as one of Africa’s leading content localisation and language services companies.
The African-owned business has spent more than 15 years helping bridge the gap between African storytelling and global audiences through multilingual localisation, dubbing, subtitling, voice-over production and media accessibility services.
Operating across more than 30 African mother tongue languages, the company plays a critical role in ensuring African stories maintain their cultural nuance and authenticity while reaching international audiences.
Its work spans:
- Feature films
- Animation
- Educational content
- Documentaries
- Telenovelas
- Branded entertainment
- Streaming content
As international demand for African stories continues to rise, localisation has become one of the most important tools in expanding the global reach of the continent’s creative industries.
“Storytelling can create real change”
For Louise Callcott-Stevens, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to elevating underrepresented voices across the screen industry.
“EarCandy, the world’s leading content localisation provider in Africa, is proud to support the Inclusive Lens Awards at this year’s FAME Week Africa,” she says.
“We are passionate about championing authentic African stories, uplifting underrepresented voices and driving meaningful change across the industry.”
She adds that the company’s long-standing commitment to inclusive storytelling aligns directly with the spirit of the awards themselves.
“At EarCandy, we believe in the power of storytelling to create real change by recognising and celebrating the unique experiences of African individuals and communities.”
Call for entries officially opens
Submissions for the Inclusive Lens Awards 2026 are now officially open, inviting creators, producers and media professionals from across the industry to submit work that advances representation and inclusion in meaningful ways.
Key dates
- Submissions deadline: Friday, 13 July 2026
- Finalists announced: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Awards ceremony: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Submissions can be entered via:
Inclusive Lens Awards Entry Form
Award categories spotlight meaningful representation
The awards recognise excellence across multiple categories focused on inclusion and equitable storytelling, including:
- Best LGBTQ+ Representation (Film and Series, scripted and unscripted)
- Best Disability Representation (Film and Series, scripted and unscripted)
- Best DEI Representation in Kids Programming (Pre-school and Older Kids)
- Unseen Impact Award for behind-the-scenes changemakers advancing diversity, equity and inclusion
Together, the categories acknowledge both on-screen representation and the often unseen industry work required to create more equitable creative ecosystems.
Celebrating the impact of previous winners
The 2025 edition of the awards highlighted productions from across Africa and beyond that challenged conventions and expanded representation on screen.
Among the standout winners were:
- Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes
- Iyanu
- Facing Forward
- Everybody Loves Touda
- Diepe Waters
- Onthou Vi Fredo?
- Nyame Mma
- This Body Works For Me
- She, He, They
The prestigious Unseen Impact Award was presented to Karen Jeynes for her contribution to inclusive storytelling and accessibility in the screen sector.
Why the awards matter now
The significance of initiatives like the Inclusive Lens Awards extends far beyond trophies or industry recognition.
As African content gains increasing visibility on global streaming platforms and international distribution networks, questions around who gets represented — and how — are becoming central to the future of entertainment itself.
The awards recognise that inclusion is not a trend.
It is infrastructure for a healthier, more representative industry.
By amplifying stories that reflect broader realities and lived experiences, the programme continues to shape a screen culture that feels more human, more honest and more globally connected.
FAME Week Africa continues to shape Africa’s creative future
As FAME Week Africa continues expanding its influence across film, television, music and entertainment industries, the return of the Inclusive Lens Awards reinforces the event’s broader mission: positioning African creativity as a global force capable of driving both commercial growth and cultural transformation.
More information about the event is available at:
