Palmtrees and NEON Launch Global Screenwriter Incubator

Writers from underrepresented regions just got a major new pathway into global cinema.

Palmtrees, in partnership with renowned film distributor NEON, has launched an inaugural screenplay incubator program specifically for emerging and established writers from Africa, the Caribbean, Oceania, and other overlooked regions. The program offers mentorship, funding, and a three-week paid residency to develop feature-length scripts.

Selected participants will receive intensive one-on-one coaching with dedicated story analysts to refine their screenplays. What makes this opportunity especially accessible is that writers get compensated throughout the entire residency, removing a common barrier that keeps talented creators from participating in development programs.

The selection process welcomes everyone equally. First-time screenwriters stand on the same ground as those with produced credits, with decisions based solely on the strength of each project and the clarity of the writer's voice.

Applications open March 31, 2026, and close June 1, 2026, at palmtrees.dev. Applicants need to submit a treatment and the first 15 pages of their genre screenplay.

Funa Maduka, Palmtrees founder and the director behind the first Nigerian film to premiere at Sundance, created the program to address a critical gap. She believes some of the world's most compelling stories emerge from regions that lack the infrastructure to develop them to global market standards.

"The most seasoned screenwriters still fight writer's block at 3 a.m.," Maduka said. "It's not a process that necessarily gets easier, but one that can remain exceptionally hard if you've never had attention. Sustained, serious, skilled attention."

Why This Inspires

This program recognizes a simple truth: talent exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn't. By removing financial barriers and experience requirements, Palmtrees is betting on voices rather than resumes.

NEON CEO Tom Quinn highlighted why this partnership matters, noting that some of cinema's most vital voices today emerge from historically underrepresented places. The company's track record of championing world cinema makes them an ideal partner for amplifying these stories.

For writers who've felt locked out of global film markets, this incubator offers something rare: a genuine chance to develop their craft with world-class support, get paid for their work, and connect with a company known for taking creative risks on groundbreaking films.

Applications open in just weeks, and the only requirement is a great story to tell.