Report on the 2nd African Women in Film Forum (AWIFF) - Accra, 23-25 September 2013

Report on the 2nd African Women in Film Forum (AWIFF) - Accra

23-25 September 2013

by Beti Ellerson

The 2nd African Women in Film Forum (AWIFF), organized and sponsored by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) and held from 23-25 September 2013 in Accra, Ghana gathered under the theme “Creating Compelling Social Justice Content for Film and Television.” Storytelling and the role of the storyteller was the leitmotif that traversed the panels, sessions and conversations throughout the three days. A highlight of the Forum was the presence of the renowned writer Ata Ama Aidoo.

The objective of the Forum is “to utilise the power of film to accelerate efforts towards gender equity and social justice. We think filmmakers have a powerful role to play in shifting or reinforcing patriarchal attitudes, and we want to work with filmmakers to create a better world for women, and the community at large,” according to Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.

Women from the continent and the diaspora assembled to share, learn and strategize, continuing the conversation which began at the 1st African Women in Film Forum held in Lagos, Nigeria in 2010. In addition, the live Tweeter feed, which allowed people worldwide to follow the events in real time, is evidence of the role that AWDF wants to play as an important actor in the global dialogue in which African women will have a visible voice. For those who were not able to follow live, the very useful aspect of asynchronous communication allows one to join the conversation at anytime @ https://twitter.com/awdf01.

Key women of the African Women’s Development Fund ensured a warm, convivial space in which to organize and network. Among these inspiring women were Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Communications Specialist of AWDF and the designated staff member leading on the organisation of the 2nd Forum, and Sarah Mukasa, AWDF Director of Programmes who opened the event with a welcome and update on the 1st AWIFF. Writer and documentary filmmaker Yaba Badoe followed with a short presentation on African women in film. 

Day One continued with parallel sessions led by writer/playwright Sefi Atta with a focus on funding, and by playwright/scriptwriter Ade Solanke, who conducted a master class on scriptwriting. After the lunch break, Tsitsi Dangarembga, writer/filmmaker/founder of the International Images Film Festival for Women, facilitated a panel on funding for the film industry comprised of Korkor Amarteifio, Associate Director, Institute for Music and Development, Stéphanie Soleansky, Cultural Affairs Attaché, Institut Français du Ghana and Sarah Mukasa. The session that followed, conducted by François d'Artemare, Producer and founder of Les Films de l'Après- Midi, provided useful information for identifying producers, co-producers and film project development.

The first day concluded with the evening screening of On the Border (a documentary which problematized the issue of landmines that remain after the liberation struggle) by Tsitsi Dangarembga and The Witches of Gambaga by Yaba Badoe. A lively Q&A followed.

Day Two began with a conversation with Yaba Badoe, writer/director Sarah Bouyain, Lodi Matsetela, writer/producer/director and Beti Ellerson, Director of the Centre for the Study and Research of African Women in Cinema, who also facilitated the interchange. After a screening of a TV episode written and directed by Lodi and excerpts of Sarah’s work, the group explored myriad issues such as écritures of storytelling, positionality, identities and transnational dialogue. 

Settling back after the return from a lunch break during which conversations deepened and intensified, Vincentia Akwetia, Dean of Studies at NAFTI (National Film and Television Institute) facilitated the panel on the Ghanaian film and television under the theme “Challenges, opportunities and the way forward.” The panel included pioneer Kwaw Ansah, writer/director/producer, Anita Erskine, TV host/producer/ communications professional, and writer/film director Veronica Quashie.

The second day wrapped up with an evening screening of Perished Diamonds by Anita Afonu, about the history of the Ghanaian cinema and Notre Etrangere |The Place in Between by Sarah Bouyain. An enthusiastic discussion followed.

On Day Three, Sionne Neely lead the final panel entitled “The Way Forward: African Women in Film”, and composed of Tsitsi Dangaremgba, Ade Solanke, and director, Akosua Adoma Owusu, whose film Kwaku Ananse was screened prior to the discussion.

Three action group breakout meetings were formed to explore issues to take forward or to be shared with others, and were facilitated by those who initiated them, continuing through lunch: Sarah Bouyain, a conversation and action set on what could be an African way of telling a story through scriptwriting and filming; Anita Afonu, how can we move forward in terms of how to archive Ghana’s film industry? and Tsitsi Dangarembga and Beti Ellerson, towards an African women and media manifesto, which during the action group was finalised as a declaration.

The three day forum ended with the closing address by Yaba Blay, co-director and assistant teaching professor of Africana Studies at Drexel University (USA) and consulting producer for CNN Black in America 5 for the television documentary, “Who is Black in America?”. 

Sara Mukasa thanked the participants and audience with these words: “From ADWF’s point of view this is a learning experience for us, we will continue to commit to mobilise resources to support African women telling their stories…we will also commit to convening the African Women in Film Forum…”

REPORT BY BETI ELLERSON

Also read about other proceedings on conferences, forums and meetings of African Women in Cinema on the African Women in Cinema Blog:

Keynote: "40 years of cinema by women of Africa" by Beti Ellerson. Colloquy: Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012), Paris, 23 and 24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on the Colloquium-Meeting "Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012)" - Paris, 23-24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on Afrikamera 2012 Women on and behind the screen. Follow link

Women and Film in Africa: Overcoming Social Barriers, University of Westminster, London, 19–20 November 2011. A report by Bronwen Pugsley. Follow link

Report on the International Images Film Festival for Women 2011 (Harare, Zimbabwe). Follow link

Report on the African Women Filmmakers Meeting - Johannesburg , 1-4 September 2010. Follow link

Proceedings from the 1st African Women in Film Forum - Lagos, 16-17 June 2010. Follow link

Report on Afrikamera 2012 Women on and behind the screen

Report on Afrikamera 2012 - Women on and behind the screen

by Beti Ellerson

The success of Afrikamera's 5th edition, featuring women on, behind and (in front of) the screen was evident throughout the six-day event by the full attendance, insightful Q&As, overall enthusiasm of the public, and the genuine exchanges among the invited filmmakers and film professionals—both women and men.

The span of images of women on the screen and the diversity of themes by women filmmakers attest to the plurality and breadth of African women's lives and experiences.

Thirteen countries from all regions of the continent were represented with shorts, mediums and features, spanning the genres of fiction, documentary, docu-drama, animation, comedy, and sci-fi.

Many of the films included in the festival were screened in the presence of the filmmaker, actress or crew member all of whom provided great insight and reflection.

Yaba Badoe discussed her research and the making of Witches of Gambaga (Ghana); Remi Vaughan-Richards talked about the consciousness-raising efforts around the film One Small Step (Nigeria) and with producer Chichi Uzuegbu examined the experiences of the "area girls" of Lagos in the film Scent of the Streets. Léandre-Alain Baker answered with aplomb audience questions about female desire, adultery and the adaptation of a novel to film, all elements in Ramata (Senegal) interpreted by the late top model Katoucha. Georgette Paré, the lead character in the comedy, An uncommon woman (Burkina Faso) by Abdoulaye Dao, contemplated the reverse scenario of polyandry examined in the film as a challenge to men's infidelity and polygamous relationships.

Other feature films at the festival included Moroccan Leila Kilani's On the edge, Othelo Burning (South Africa) by Sara Blecher, Indochina, Traces of a Mother by Idrissou Mora Kpai of Benin, Imani (Uganda) by Caroline Kamya; and Here we drown Algerians by Yasmina Adi, about the events around the protest of 17 October 1961 in Paris.

Four, short and medium films from Mozambique focused on women and spousal abuse as well as the devastating effects of AIDS on the family: Dina by Dario Mickey Fonseca, Mae dos netos by Isabel Noronha and Vivan Altman, Impunidades criminosas by Sol de Carvalho, and Mahla, also by Dario Mickey Fonseca, who represented the Mozambican filmmakers at the festival.

"Womenfolk African Sisters of the Screen": Discussion and short film screening:

The short film screenings included an eclectic collection of works and themes about, love, beauty, identity, revolution, and the future of the planet: Pumzi by Wanuri Kahiu (Kenya), L’Ambouba and L’Mrayet by Nadia Rais (Tunisia), Yasmine et la révolution by Karin Albou (Algeria); La femme invisible by Pascale Obolo (Cameroon), Mon beau sourire (My beautiful smile) by Angèle Diabang (Senegal), Tout le monde a des raisons d’en vouloir à sa mère (Everyone has a reason to be angry at their mother) by Pauline Mulombe (DRC).

A panel discussion preceding the short film screening featured scholar Beti Ellerson, cinematographer Cécile Mulombe, and animation filmmaker and artist Nadia Rais, moderated by film curator June Givanni with French-English translations by journalist Claire Diao, the Festival moderator.

A third component of the Festival's engagement with cinema focused on women in front of the screen in the form of a panel discussion moderated by Dorothee Wenner. Beti Ellerson and June Givanni as cultural readers and film critics, along with filmmaker Yaba Badoe, producer Chichi Uzuegbu and actress Georgette Pare, also president of a casting and communications company, discussed the realities and current issues regarding African women in all spheres of cinema.

Report by Beti Ellerson

EN FRANÇAIS


Also read about other proceedings on conferences, forums and meetings of African Women in Cinema on the African Women in Cinema Blog:

Keynote: "40 years of cinema by women of Africa" by Beti Ellerson. Colloquy: Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012), Paris, 23 and 24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on the Colloquium-Meeting "Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012)" - Paris, 23-24 November 2012. Follow link

Women and Film in Africa: Overcoming Social Barriers, University of Westminster, London, 19–20 November 2011. A report by Bronwen Pugsley. Follow link

Report on the International Images Film Festival for Women 2011 (Harare, Zimbabwe). Follow link

Report on the African Women Filmmakers Forum 2010 - Johannesburg. Follow link

Report by Bronwen Pugsley - Women and Film in Africa: Overcoming Social Barriers

Women and Film in Africa: Overcoming Social Barriers, University of Westminster, London, 19–20 November 2011. A report by Bronwen Pugsley (Scope: An Online Journal of Film and Television Studies, February 2012), University of Nottingham, UK

In his introductory talk, co-organiser Winston Mano stated that this third annual conference on African film, hosted by the University of Westminster, would focus on a cinematic production that exists against the odds: due to oppressive patriarchal values and a dire lack of funds, the African women who work as actresses, filmmakers, producers, promoters, and distributors are engaged in a permanent struggle for their voices to be heard. Mano‘s statement echoed throughout many of the papers and discussions that took place during the two-day conference. Recurring questions included the systemic lack of funding, distribution, and exhibition opportunities. These key issues were first raised by keynote speaker Yaba Badoe, who presented her latest film, The Witches of Gambaga (2010), a documentary that denounces the ostracism of women accused of sorcery, a growing Ghanaian social phenomenon. In her talk, Badoe described the arduous process of making the film and insisted on the importance of properly “packaging” a film in order to obtain funding. This particular point was later reiterated by the second keynote speaker, filmmaker Jihan El Tahri — part two of whose documentary, Cuba: An African Odyssey (2007), was screened on the second day of the conference. El Tahri discussed at length the difficulties involved in attaining recognition “beyond labels”: although she dislikes being defined foremost on the basis of her gender, origins, or nationality, rather than by the specificities her filmmaking practice, El Tahri recognises that such labels are regrettably essential to the efficient commercialisation of her films.

Participants included*:

Yaba Badoe (Keynote speaker)

Jihan El Tahri (Keynote speaker)

Ekua Andrea Agha (Birkbeck College)

Florence Ayisi (University of Wales, Newport)

Bronwen Pugsley (University of Nottingham, UK)

Catalin Brylla (University of Wales, Newport)

Bertrand Cabedoche (University of Grenoble 3)

Matthias de Groof (University of Antwerp)

Shaibu Husseini (Lagos State University School of Communication)

Maryam Kazeem (London School of Economics and Political Science)

Barbara Knorpp (Brunel University)

Louise Müller (Leiden University)

Sheila Petty (University of Regina)

A. Irene Pogoson (University of Ibadan)

Daniela Ricci (University of Lyon 3)

Roselyn Vona Doghudje (University of Ibadan)

*Drawn from the conference report by Bronwen Pugsley

Read the entire report at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/scope/documents/2012/february-2012/feb-2012-conf-reports.pdf (Scope: An Online Journal of Film and Television Studies).

***

Also read about other proceedings on conferences, forums and meetings of African Women in Cinema on the African Women in Cinema Blog:

Keynote: "40 years of cinema by women of Africa" by Beti Ellerson. Colloquy: Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012), Paris, 23 and 24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on the Colloquium-Meeting "Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012)" - Paris, 23-24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on Afrikamera 2012 Women on and behind the screen. Follow link

Report on the International Images Film Festival for Women 2011 (Harare, Zimbabwe). Follow link

Report on the African Women Filmmakers Forum 2010 - Johannesburg. Follow link

Compte-rendu par Bronwen Pugsley - Les femmes et le cinéma en Afrique: surmonter les obstacles sociaux

Les femmes et le cinéma en Afrique: surmonter les obstacles sociaux. Université de Westminster, Londres, 19-20 Novembre 2011. Compte-rendu par Bronwen Pugsley (Scope: An Online Journal of Film and Television Studies, février 2012), Université de Nottingham, Royaume-Uni.

Dans son discours lors de l’ouverture de la troisième conférence annuelle sur le cinéma africain organisé par l'Université de Westminster, le co-organisateur Winston Mano déclare que cette occasion mettrait l'accent sur une production cinématographique qui existe contre toute attente. En raison des mœurs patriarcales oppressives et un manque cruel de fonds, les Africaines qui travaillent en tant qu’actrices, réalisatrices, productrices, promotrices, distributrices sont engagées dans une lutte permanente pour que leurs voix soient entendues. La déclaration de Mano résonnait dans les présentations et les discussions qui ont eu lieu au cours de la conférence de deux jours. Les questions récurrentes se posaient notamment sur le manque systémique de financement, la distribution et l'exposition. Ces questions clés ont été soulevées par la conférencière d'honneur Yaba Badoe, qui a présenté son dernier film, Les Sorcières de Gambaga (2010), un documentaire dénonçant l'ostracisme des femmes accusées de sorcellerie, un phénomène social en croissance au Ghana. Dans son discours, Badoe décrivait le processus ardu de la réalisation du film, insistant sur l'importance du « paquégique » d’un film dans le but d'obtenir du financement. Ce point spécifique a été renouvelé par la deuxième conférencière d’honneur, la cinéaste Jihan El Tahri, dont son documentaire Cuba: une odyssée africaine (2007) a été projeté pendant la deuxième journée de la conférence. El Tahri a longuement discuté sur les difficultés de se faire reconnaître « au-delà des étiquettes ». Même si elle n'aime pas être définie particulièrement sur la base du sexe, des origines, ou de la nationalité, plutôt que par les spécificités de sa pratique cinématographique, El Tahri reconnaît que de telles étiquettes sont, bon gré mal gré indispensable à la commercialisation efficace de ses films. Lire l'article en intégralité en anglais sur https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/scope/documents/2012/february-2012/feb-2012-conf-reports.pdf (Scope: An Online Journal of Film and Television Studies).

Report on the International Images Film Festival for Women 2011 (Harare, Zimbabwe)

Report on the International Images Film Festival for Women 2011, Harare

by Beti Ellerson

The 10th Edition of the International Images Film Festival for Women (18-26 November) in Harare, Zimbabwe brimmed with events, offering a memorable occasion for all who were present at the screenings, receptions, initiatives, master class, and award ceremonies, and who seized the exciting opportunity to network with local and international attendees.

The international character of the festival was evident as representatives from embassies, NGOs and international organisations interacted with Zimbabwean counterparts and invited guests. Networking opportunities also included encounters with African film festival organizers Hans-Christian Mahnke of the Namibian Film Festival, Shamek Stepien of AfryKamera African Film Festival Poland, Lizelle Bisschoff of Africa in Motion Film Festival in Edinburgh, actor and filmmaker Martha Fergusson of Canada and Beti Ellerson, director of the Centre for the Study and Research of African Women in Cinema based in the United States, and Zimbabwean filmmaking professionals and cultural producers such as Jackie Cahi, Nakai Matema, as well as Michelle Ajida, Tawanda Gunda, Melody Gwenyambira, Blessing Hungwe, Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa, Victoria Mtomba, and Tawanda Mukurunge, who also served as jury members.

The festival theme “Women with Goals” was omnipresent; as films, organized activities and initiatives highlighted how women have persevered to attain the goals they set for themselves. Institute of Creative Art for Progress in Africa Trust Board Member Sarah Moyo reiterated these objectives in her presentation at the opening ceremony. The celebratory event which kicked off with the music of Mafriq, featured His Excellency Ambassador Anders Liden of Sweden, a major sponsor of the Festival.

The diverse collection of films by and about women spanned the globe, from the countries of Belgium, Canada, Cuba, Czech, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The myriad, multi-layered and wide-ranging stories explore adolescent friendships; the bond between mother and daughter; traditional roles of sexuality and marriage; women struggling with depression, loneliness, jealousy and domestic abuse; the challenges of tradition versus modernity; the trauma of death; dialogues between past and present; generational conflicts within immigrant families; and the complexities within female relationships. The Zimbabwean films, screened at the popular Mannenberg (Harare) drew packed audiences, as local productions are increasingly in demand among viewers who are keen to see familiar faces and places. A new initiative of the festival is the Binga Outreach which will take place from 5-7 December where local films will be screened to audiences in the Matabeleland North town of Binga.

THE AWARDS (presented at the Closing Ceremony)

Best Short Film

Dina (Mozambique)

Best Documentary

Why Can’t I  (India)

Best Feature on Other Format

Distress (Iran)

Best Script

The Other/L’autre (France)

Best Direction

The Wedding Song/Le chant des mariées (France)

Best Actress

Sibel Kekilli in the film When We Leave (Germany)

Best Depiction of a Woman within the Goals of the Festival

The Wedding Song/Le chant des mariées (France)

Best Photography

Dog in a Sidecar (Japan)

Best Film

The Wedding Song/Le chant des mariées (France)

Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe (WFOZ) in partnership with the UNWomen Gender Support Programme (UNIFEM) hosted the Ndichirimupenyu Awards. Now in its 6th year, the award honours women who have excelled in their various endeavours—including the categories art, business, sport and national social contributor. In 2010 the category Best Male Against Gender-based Violence was included to highlight the role of men as active players in the fight against gender-based violence. The African Fathers Initiative of Zimbabwe was very visible at the awards event. Similarly, the "New Man" section of the Festival introduced screenings of films that highlighted a new consciousness of what it takes to fulfil the role of a responsible, caring and loving “New Man” in African societies. 

Other highlights of the festival were the Master Class, the World Premiere of Nyaminymi and the Evil Eggs and the Distinguished Woman of African Cinema Award. Presented by UK-based Lizelle Bisschoff from South Africa, the Master Class entitled "Women in African Cinema: Questions of Absence and Presence", was the subject of her recent doctoral thesis. The World Premiere of the film Nyaminymi and the Evil Eggs by Tsitsi Dangarembga included the presentation of the Artists Charter for Zimbabwe, the screening, and a lively discussion with the filmmaker, producers and audience. Three women were nominated for the Distinguished Woman in African Cinema Award: Producer Jackie Cahi of Zimbabwe, Producer Bridget Pickering of Namibia and African Cinema Scholar and Centre Director Beti Ellerson of the United States. Beti Ellerson was awarded the prize for her important contribution to the advancement of African women in cinema.

The International Images Film Festival for Women concluded with a farewell by Tsitsi Dangarembga, founder and outgoing director of IIFF, and at its 10-year anniversary, a passing of the baton to Yvonne Jila as she takes the reigns as new director.


Report by Beti Ellerson, November 2011


Also read about other proceedings on conferences, forums and meetings of African Women in Cinema on the African Women in Cinema Blog:

Keynote: "40 years of cinema by women of Africa" by Beti Ellerson. Colloquy: Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012), Paris, 23 and 24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on the Colloquium-Meeting "Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012)" - Paris, 23-24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on Afrikamera 2012 Women on and behind the screen. Follow link

Women and Film in Africa: Overcoming Social Barriers, University of Westminster, London, 19–20 November 2011. A report by Bronwen Pugsley. Follow link

Report on the African Women Filmmakers Forum 2010 - Johannesburg. Follow link

Report on the African Women Filmmakers Forum 2010 - Johannesburg

Report on the African Women Filmmakers Forum 2010, Johannesburg

by Beti Ellerson

The African Women Filmmakers Forum, organized and sponsored by the Goethe Institut, was held from 1-4 September 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Women of the Sun Film Festival organized alongside the forum ran from 2-9 September. Most of the women who attended the forum also screened works at the festival.

Twenty-five women from more than fifteen countries, representing most regions of the continent and the diaspora, convened to discuss as a group the various issues that they had vowed to keep alive since their last gathering.

Diverse approaches were employed throughout the meeting to ensure an environment of empowerment, trust, mutual exchange and sharing. A variety of strategies were used to get to know each other, to talk about relevant experiences, interests and ideas. The sister circle, a common arrangement within women’s groups, was the designated format for the larger group discussions. Informal meetings took place during lunch and tea breaks in the courtyard.

Key women of the Goethe Institut and German cinema and studies provided a welcoming and structured space to share and network. Among these women were scholar Christina von Braun, one of the keynote speakers, and filmmaker Dorothee Wenner who moderated the various activities.

The purpose of the meeting, according to the organizers, was to contribute to existing structures and build upon long-term strategies, thus working alongside African women filmmakers who are already leading the way.

The keynote speakers explored gendered perspectives on film studies in general, African film history, and the role of African women filmmakers. Christina von Braun’s talk, entitled “Film and Gender”, focused on representations of women from the beginning of the moving image, Beti Ellerson presented an overview of the evolution of African women in cinema, and Peace Anyiam-Osigwe discussed current trends, the future of African cinema and the role of African women filmmakers.

The forum unfolded under the theme, “Chances and Challenges for Women Filmmakers in Africa: Exploring Local and International Aspects”, examined within four breakout groups:

1) Education/training

2) Pre-Production and Production

4) Distribution/Exhibition/Festivals

5) Television and Cinema

The various components of the forum provided a space for reflection, troubleshooting, discussion and workshopping. Thus participants from different regions shared experiences and received feedback and suggestions. At the same time as accomplishments were highlighted, less successful stories demanded problem-solving with an emphasis on how to turn the next project into triumph.

While the working language was English, the translation into French and Portuguese was informal, spontaneous and amicable.

Throughout the forum the participants assessed the current situation in their respective countries and the continent as a whole and offered recommendations to the various proposals presented in the larger group and during the breakout sessions.

On the final day, The Open Forum “To screen and be seen: Female perspectives on African filmmaking”, moderated by Dorothee Wenner, brought together the forum participants and the larger cinema community of Johannesburg within a space of dialogue and exchange. June Givanni summarized the forum events, providing highlights, after which filmmakers Rumbi Katedzi, Jyoti Mistry, Fanta Nacro and Monique Mbeka shared their experiences, while Katarina Hédren gave French-English translations.

The following compilation of reflections by the women during the forum is indicative of the myriad experiences, themes and ideas discussed and explored throughout the meeting:

We need you to make films about Africa to counterbalance the images that we don’t see.

Do not allow what we are perceived to be, to become what we are.

Women write stories that perpetuate stereotypes, such as the wicked mother-in-law. Often times they are women scriptwriters.

African women are traditional storytellers, why are we not creating the stories that need to be told?

African cinema is about economics, what people can afford.

Television has lead to New Media. When we speak about television we speak about New Media.

The future of Africa depends on what we will do for the women of our generation.

What we are trying to do is to build structures and institutionalize.

Training cannot be done outside of the context of distribution.

It is a luxury to make films that we like/want. We must address what the audience wants.

We are alone, working in isolation. There is tremendous pressure working in this business.

Women cannot underestimate the power of coming together.

We must create an interest in order to promote young women.

African women filmmakers must have their space whether it be virtual or real.

Alot of the films by African women are not very feminist.

Let’s work together rather than in isolation.

Young people tell stories about hope. We want to see films about it.

Creating a culture where we love and venerate our film.

Safi Faye has been a role model, an inspiration for me, giving me the desire to make films, to fight for the right to do so.

The group of women here represents and reinforces what I see happening throughout the continent.

REPORT BY BETI ELLERSON

Names of participants (in alphabetical order) included in photo:

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (Nigeria), Seipati Bulani-Hopa (South Africa), Tsitsi Dangarembga (Zimbabwe), Taghreed Elsanhouri (Sudan), Jihan El-Tahri (France-Egypt), Beti Ellerson (USA), Hawa Essuman (Ghana-Kenya), Maria João Ganga (Angola), June Givanni (UK), Katarina Hedrén (Sweden-South Africa), Marie Ka (Senegal), Musola Catherine Kaseketi (Zambia), Rumbi Katedza (Zimbabwe), Jyoti Mistry (South Africa), M Beatrix Mugishagwe (Tanzania), Jane Murago-Munene (Kenya), Fanta Nacro (Burkina Faso), Maren Niemeyer (Goethe-Institut, Munich), Isabel Noronha (Mozambique), Monique Phoba (DRC-Belgium), Eve Rantseli (South Africa), Yewbdar Anbessie Setegn (Ethiopia), Arice Siapi (Cameroon), Dorothee Wenner (Germany), Debra Zimmerman (Women Make Movies, USA)

Also read about other proceedings on conferences, forums and meetings of African Women in Cinema on the African Women in Cinema Blog:

Black Camera (2020): African Women Professionals in Cinema: Manifestos, Communiqués, Declarations, Statements, Resolutions. Follow link

Journées cinématographiques de la femme africaine - JCFA 2020 (Cinema Days of African Women of the Moving Image) Burkina Faso. Follow link

Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe, WFOZ, Stakeholders Report 2019. Follow link

Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image | African Women Image Makers Cinema Days, Ouagadougou 02 to 07 March 2018. Follow link

Report | Compte-rendu: Festival International du Film de Femmes de Salé | International Women’s Film Festival of Salé - Edition 11, 2017 - Maroc | Morocco. Report by/par Beti Ellerson. Follow link 

Table-ronde/roundtable avec/with Olivier Barlet: Chloé Aïcha Boro, Hinde Boujemaa, Nina Khada, Aïcha Macky, Amina Weira - Festival des films d'Afrique en pays d'Apt 2016. Follow link

Report on the Launch of African Women Filmmakers Hub (Harare, Zimbabwe) 10 - 2016. Follow link

Report on Fokus: Sisters in African Cinema – Afrika Film Festival Cologne, September 2016. Follow link

International du Film de Fribourg 2016 – Roundtable/Table ronde: Etre réalisatrice en Afrique | To be a woman filmmaker in Africa - 13 03 2016. Follow link

Report by | Compte rendu par Laurentine Bayala : JCFA 2016 - Film Festival of African Women | Journées cinématographiques de la femme africaine - Burkina Faso. Follow link

Djia Mambu, Africiné : Meanwhile, They’re filming… | En attendant, Elles tournent…, report on the/compte rendu du Festival Elles Tournent, 02 - 2016. Follow link

The Women of the Year Awards (Zambia) A Report by Jessie Chisi, April 2015. Follow link

International Images International Film Festival for Women (IIFF) 2014 report by Oshosheni Hiveluah. Follow link

Report on the Second African Women in Film Forum, Accra, Ghana, 23-25 September by Beti Ellerson. Follow link

Fespaco en femmes | The Women's Fespaco : 2013. Follow link

Keynote: "40 years of cinema by women of Africa" by Beti Ellerson. Colloquy: Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012), Paris, 23 and 24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on the Colloquium-Meeting "Francophone African Women Filmmakers: 40 years of cinema (1972-2012)" - Paris, 23-24 November 2012. Follow link

Report on Afrikamera 2012 Women on and behind the screen. Follow link

Women and Film in Africa: Overcoming Social Barriers, University of Westminster, London, 19–20 November 2011. A report by Bronwen Pugsley. Follow link

Report on the International Images Film Festival for Women 2011 (Harare, Zimbabwe). Follow link