News
FAD rides higher as UNESCO WH names astute Nigerian filmmaker jury member
The celebrated Nigerian Filmmaker and CEO of FAD Media Group, Fidelis Duker, has been appointed alongside other eminent African filmmakers as jury for the final 10 African Female Filmmakers, who will be joining the acclaimed film director and Cannes Film Festival winner, Naomi Kawase, in the beautiful village of Tawara, surrounding the spectacular city of Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan for a unique opportunity to work, discover, exchange, create ideas around film making.
It will be recall that the residency initiative was a fall out of one of the presentation at the JAPAN/AFRICA summit where Duker was a speaker from Nigeria.
The residency has funding from the Government of Japan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in partnership with the Nara International Film Festival who will be Organizing the 2 week film making residency (29 March to 12 April 2020) for 10 young African women filmmakers from Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa.
The core objective of this transnational workshop is to facilitate exchange, to share experience, and to create a productive working environment for women filmmakers. It also aims to offer artistic guidance and to put in place a genuine platform for experimental creation.
It will foster artistic renewal for artists and writers by giving them access to a new and stimulating cultural environment, contribute to the formation of durable ties between artists from Africa and Japan, promote the work and career development of female artists internationally, develop new networks for artistic creation, production and dissemination.
According to the grateful Duker, this was an honour he is really excited about.
“I feel honoured and excited that I was found worthy to be chosen amongst some of Africa’s best as a member of the evaluation/selection committee,” he said.
The selection committee is saddled with the responsibility of choosing the 10 finalists from the over 500 applications received from of some of the Africa’s outstanding female filmmakers.
He said, “The quality of application was very high, however, the committee has to select the best amongst best for the residency.”
Mr. Fidelis Duker, who has a robust profile in the media and movie industries, is also the founder of Abuja International Film Festival, which is the longest running film festival in anglophone West Africa. The festival is in its 17th edition.
The other members of the Evaluation/Selection committee include Ardouma Soma, Director General of Fespaco from Burkina Faso, Timothy Owase, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Film Commission, Hugues Diaz, Director of cinematography, Ministry of Culture from Senegal and Makhosazana Khanyile, CEO, National Film & Video Foundation of South Africa.
According to a statement from UNESCO, filmmaker Naomi Kawase and the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, will be together at UNESCO HQ (Paris) on 13th February 2020 announce the results of the selection committee during the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention on the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
Also in attendance will be UNESCO Ambassadors from the 5 selected African countries.
Nollywood actress Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello has expressed her support for former Queen Naomi Silekunola, who is facing difficulties following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organized in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of young lives
A top Nollywood actress and movie producer, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, has joined numerous well-wishers who have expressed their support for former queen of Ife Kingdom, Naomi Silekunola, who is currently facing challenges following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organised in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of children’s lives.
The beautiful thespian, popularly called Ajitannawo, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, sent a message of encouragement, urging Queen Naomi to stay strong.
In her heartfelt message, Arewa Amos-Bello expressed sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for Queen Naomi’s courage and resilience in the face of the tragedy.
“Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you. And He will never forsake you my Queen Silekunola. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time of yours. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time,” Arewa Bukky wrote, while she offered her sincere condolences to families and parents of the victims.
Arewa Amos-Bello stated that she feels every bit of what Queen Naomi feels at the moment because she is also a philanthropist who understands that the former Ife Queen did what she did with good intentions.
She added, “I know she meant well because I’m also into charity. The Ibadan event was not her first nor was it the second. We can only pray that God help her and console the victims.”
“I want to assure her of my valid support; she is not alone. Her struggles are valid and real, and in acknowledging this, she finds our solidarity. When things like this happen, we may feel ashamed and find it hard to cope, yet even in such a dark time as this, we share our burdens, support one another, and find strength in our unity. She must not give up on her goal and she is encouraged to continue her philanthropic endeavours.”
South African TikTok star Beandri Booysen has passed away at the age of 19 following a valiant battle with progeria, a rare genetic disorder that caused her to age rapidly—eight years for every year of her life.
Her mother, Bea Booysen, announced the tragic news in a heartfelt post within a Facebook group dedicated to Beandri’s journey. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the grieving mother shared.
Beandri, known for her uplifting presence and brave attitude, touched the hearts of many across the world. Her legacy as an inspiration to others facing adversity lives on, as she remains an unforgettable figure in the South African social media scene.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the bereaved parent wrote.
Nigerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.
The academy, backed by a $100 million fund, will provide training, mentorship, and resources to aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and creators across Africa.
Busari, an Emmy, Peabody, and Gracie award-winning journalist, used the occasion to not only celebrate her achievements but also unveil her vision for the future of African storytelling.
“The Academy will equip a new generation of storytellers with the tools to share their truth,” Busari stated. “If we are to shift global perceptions and unlock Africa’s full potential, we must invest in the people who will shape how the world sees us.”
The academy is just one part of Busari’s broader vision. She also launched SBB Media, a consultancy focused on taking African narratives global.
SBB Media will offer a range of services, from documentary filmmaking and media training to public speaking coaching and strategic communications.
The launch event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, drew a crowd of dignitaries, media personalities, and supporters.
Tributes poured in from prominent figures such as Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the first female President of Mauritius, and Richard Quest, a renowned anchor at CNN.
Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, praised Busari’s career as a testament to the power of storytelling, while Olori Atuwatse III, a Nigerian royal, highlighted the cultural significance of Busari’s work.
The launch of the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy and SBB Media marks a new chapter in Busari’s career and a significant development for African storytelling.
By empowering a new generation of storytellers and ensuring their voices reach a global audience, Busari is committed to reshaping the narrative around Africa.
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