#bravefutures

Brave Futures is an intersectional film race that challenges storytellers, filmmakers and creatives of all levels to produce an entire short film in 48 hours using one theme, one prop, one action and their city as a canvas. Originally launched in Johannesburg in 2019, Brave Futures has traveled to Guadalajara, Berlin, London, and Cape Town.

about #bravefutures

Participants pre-register for free online for a chance to compete, with strong prioritization for intersectional identities. Films submitted into #BraveFutures are exhibited in their local city for the chance to win cash awards, prizes and a distribution deal with OTV. Brave Futures exports OTV’s values to other markets in need of alternative outlets where artists are ready to engage a platform designed to include and support them.

Since the programs launch in 2019, Brave Futures has empowered over 200 artists, across five countries and three continents to develop over 30 intersectional short-films (3-7 minutes) exploring topics on gender, immigration, body-positivity, feminism, trans politics, race, sexuality, mental health and more.

2025 program update

All marquee OTV artist development programs are currently on pause as we dedicate time and resources to celebrating our 10th anniversary and reflecting on a decade of impact. During this period, we’re piloting an experimental initiative aimed at empowering intersectional storytellers to chart their own path — connecting them to the tools, resources, and community needed to amplify their voices and bring their stories to life. This pause is an intentional step toward evolving our artist support model, ensuring a sustainable and transformative future for OTV.