ISDE Program Returns for 2026 - Call for Application for ISDE Cohort 2 Now Open

About the ISDE Program

A NIFS Industry Talent Development and Capacity Building Initiative.

ISDE Program Returns for 2026, following the resounding success of its inaugural edition produced with the support and partnership of Trino Motion Pictures, the NIFS International Sales and Distribution Executives Program (ISDE) returns for 2026 — stronger, more strategic, and globally aligned.

ISDE Cohort1 laid the foundation for a new pathway into international sales and distribution for emerging African film and television professionals. Through structured training, mentorship, and international internship placements, participants gained real access to global markets and practical exposure to deal-making.

• The NIFS International Sales & Distribution Executives Program (ISDE Program) is a three-month hybrid residency and mentorship, which also includes a focus on the International Sales and Distribution Executives Program with a 5-day in-person incubation program during NIFS Lagos 2026.
• This program is designed for young film and TV business professionals seeking a career in international sales and distribution of films and TV Content.
• Following this NIFS call for applications, 24 successful finalists will be selected for the ISDE Residency and Mentorship program with a guaranteed six-month internship with an international sales and distribution company.

• To help young professionals discover a new career path in international sales and distribution.
• For upcoming film and TV professionals interested in the business of film and TV content sales, aggregation, licensing and distribution to understand and gain insight into the strategies, opportunities and intricacies of sales and distribution business.
• Build capacity for the film and TV industry in order to discover and harness international opportunities for revenue from film and TV content sales, distribution, licensing and aggregation as well as development for international B2B co-productions.
• Guaranteed six months internship with partner international sales and distribution companies.
• Sales and distribution strategies for attending festivals, international film and TV markets.
• Negotiations and international deal making skills and strategies for complex licensing agreements.

To qualify for ISDE Program the following criteria must be met

• Participants must be registered for NIFS Lagos with Executive Gold Badge.
  Click here to register for NIFS Lagos Executive Gold Badge. 

• 24 successful participants to be selected for the ISDE Residency and Mentorship program must have at least TWO years of experience working actively in a TV or film business or organization.
• To apply, must provide accessible links to your CV and motivation letter. Ensure you have completed the NIFS Lagos Executive Gold Badge before you proceed.

• Finalists must have their nationality from any African country, including the Diaspora, and be available for a three-month hybrid program (virtual -3 months and physical [5 days] in Lagos, Nigeria)
• Application submission ends 4th April.
• ALL registered NIFS Lagos attendees who apply for the ISDE Program who do not make the final selection will participate in a 5-day special Sales and Distribution Executives Incubation Masterclass Program at NIFS Lagos. 

 
This Program is in Partnership with