Palmtrees and NEON Partner to Launch Inaugural Screenplay Incubator for Global Writers
Palmtrees, a screenplay development incubator dedicated to writers from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with NEON for its inaugural cohort. This initiative aims to nurture diverse voices in cinema by providing intensive support and resources to emerging and established screenwriters from historically underrepresented regions.
Program Details and Application Process
Writers from eligible regions are invited to apply with a treatment and the first 15 pages of a feature-length genre screenplay. The selection process is based solely on the strength of the project and the clarity of the writer's voice, with no advantage given to prior credits or disadvantage to first-time screenwriters. Applications open on March 31, 2026, at palmtrees.dev, with a submission deadline of June 1, 2026.
Those selected by the incubator will develop their scripts through intensive one-on-one work with dedicated story analysts, and writers are compensated for their participation throughout the program. The program culminates in a three-week in-person residency, offering a unique opportunity for hands-on collaboration and networking.
Founder Background and Vision
Palmtrees was founded by Funa Maduka, a filmmaker with a distinguished career, including six years leading international original films at Netflix. During her tenure, she built the company's first international film slate and shepherded the acquisition and development of dozens of titles across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, such as Alice Rohrwacher's Happy as Lazzaro, Alfonso Cuarón's Roma, and Mati Diop's Atlantics. Maduka is also credited with directing and producing the first Nigerian film to world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
In a statement, Funa Maduka, Founder and CEO of Palmtrees, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "Tom and his team have built something rare. 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."
NEON's Commitment to Diverse Voices
Tom Quinn, Founder and CEO of NEON, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting, "Some of the most vital voices in cinema today are emerging from places that have been historically underrepresented on the global stage. NEON is thrilled to partner with Funa and her team at Palmtrees to help identify and support this next generation of filmmakers." This partnership underscores NEON's reputation for taking creative risks and championing innovative storytelling from around the world.
The Palmtrees and NEON screenplay incubator represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and diversity in the film industry, offering a platform for writers at every stage of their careers to hone their craft and bring their unique perspectives to the forefront of global cinema.
