The purpose of the African Women in Cinema Blog is to provide a space to discuss diverse topics relating to African women in cinema--filmmakers, actors, producers, and all film professionals. The blog is a public forum of the Centre for the Study and Research of African Women in Cinema.

Le Blog sur les femmes africaines dans le cinéma est un espace pour l'échange d'informations concernant les réalisatrices, comédiennes, productrices, critiques et toutes professionnelles dans ce domaine. Ceci sert de forum public du Centre pour l'étude et la recherche des femmes africaines dans le cinémas.

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

My photo
Director/Directrice, Centre for the Study and Research of African Women in Cinema | Centre pour l'étude et la recherche des femmes africaines dans le cinéma

Translate

Search This Blog

27 October 2016

African Women and the Documentary | Cinemas documentaires en Afrique au féminin


African Women and the Documentary: Storytelling, Visualizing History, from the Personal to the Political

Cinemas documentaires en Afrique
au féminin
by/par Beti Ellerson

“African Women and the Documentary: Storytelling, Visualizing History, from the Personal to the Political.” Beti Ellerson
Black Camera: An International Film Journal 8, no. 1 (Fall 2016): 223-239. Published by: Indiana University Press.
DOI: 10.2979/blackcamera.8.1.0223.

Abstract
The practice of storytelling, of relating actuality, the real, of recounting history, the personal, the social, the political, are all features of the screen culture in which African women have evolved in myriad ways as stakeholders in the cultural production of their society and the world. Telling stories through documentary in particular has been a dominant mode of expression among African women, perhaps out of a genuine interest in addressing the pressing issues in their societies and relating stories that would otherwise not be told. Their filmmaking practice is indicative of the diversity of themes they address, using eclectic approaches: autobiographical, experimental, hybrid, consciousness-raising, socio-political, as well as within trans-local and transnational spaces—some going beyond the cultural references of the filmmakers. This article brings together current trends and tendencies incorporating African women who span the globe, utilizing diverse languages, reflecting a plurality of experiences, histories, cultures, and geographies. 

[Français]
Beti Ellerson. Cinémas documentaires en Afrique au féminin
La diversité du documentaire de creation en Afrique  ed. François Fronty, Delphe Kifouani

La pratique du récit, de relater l'actualité, du réel, de raconter l’histoire, les expériences personnelles, sociales, politiques, sont autant de traits de la culture de l'écran dans laquelle les femmes africaines évoluent de multiples façons en tant que parties prenantes de la production culturelle de leur société et du monde. Raconter des histoires à travers le documentaire en particulier était toujours un mode d'expression dominant parmi les femmes africaines, peut-être en raison d'une préoccupation authentique pour aborder les questions pressantes dans leurs sociétés et relater des histoires qui autrement ne seraient pas racontées. Leur pratique cinématographique révèle la diversité des thèmes abordés, en utilisant des approches éclectiques: autobiographiques, expérimentales, hybrides, de sensibilisation, sociopolitiques, ainsi qu’à travers les espaces trans-locaux et transnationaux - certains allant au-delà des références culturelles de la cinéaste. Cet article rassemble les tendances actuelles et les propensions qui intègrent les femmes africaines qui traversent le monde, utilisant des langues diverses, reflétant une pluralité d'expériences, d'histoires, de cultures et de géographies.


UPDATED TO INCLUDE FRENCH VERSION

23 October 2016

Udada International Women's Film Festival 2016 - Nairobi - The African Woman: perceptions and reflections

Udada International Women's Film Festival - Nairobi - 2016
The African Woman: perceptions and reflections


The third edition of UDADA (SISTERHOOD) FILM FESTIVAL will be held from the 25th - 28th October 2016, and daily screenings will be held at PAWA 254 (Mageuzi Theatre)

This year's theme is THE AFRICAN WOMAN: REFLECTIONS AND PERCEPTIONS

The choice of the theme is influenced by the need to highlight the role African women play in the film world and to engage audiences and filmmakers in a debate about the same.

The Festival will screen films, made by African women or about African women, from all over the world.

The Festival will screen short and full-length feature films, documentaries, animation and experimental films.


Festival directors:

Wanjiru Kinyanjui
Naomi Mwaura
Matrid Nyaga


Jury:

Rachel Diang’a
A. Wambui Kairo
Daisy Nandech Okoti
Likarion Wainaina
John Wambugu


Special Events:

Wednesday - Panel discussion (content, marketing and distribution) 
Thursday - Gender Forum (women and leadership)
Friday - African Women Filmmakers Hub (inaugural meeting)


Film Selection:

Africa (Israel) 45 min
Dvorit Shargal

Aisha (Tanzania) 120 min
Chande Omar

Aissa’s Story (USA) 15 min
Iquo B. Essein

Bahati (Tanzania) 62 min
Timoth Conrad

Behind the doors of silence 25 min
Haisam Adbelhamed

Ben and Ara (USA) 84 min
Nnegest Likké

Box girls (Spain/Kenya) 20 min
Jaime Murciego

Dignity (Italy/Mozambique) 30 min
Monica Mazzitelli

Disrupt (South Africa) 52 min
Michael Dorfling

Echoes of unheard children (Nigeria) 25 min
Dominion Michael Bassey

Fatima (France/Algeria) 18:20 min
Nina Khada

Hush (Nigeria) 14 min
Alex Campbell

I Shot Bi Kidude (UK/Mozambique) 74 min
Andy Jones

Imagine (Nigeria) 90 min


Khayalami | My home (South Africa) 15 min
Dennis Khumalo

Kizingo (Kenya) 66 min
Simiyu Barasa

Lurna (Spain) 15 min
Nani Matos

Maman(s) | Mothers (France) 19 min
Maimouna Doucoure

Orishas Journey (USA) 20 min
Abdul Ndadi

Plus! (Zimbabwe/Canada) 26 min
Sandra Chuma

Queen Nanny (USA/Jamaica) 60 min
Roy T. Anderson

Remember Me (Nigeria) 127 min
Uru Eke

Rwanda, la vie après (Belgium) 70 min
Benoit Dervaux and Audre Versaille

Saida despite ashes (Tunisia) 52 min
Soumeya Bouallegui

Shakira (Tanzania) 15 min
Omary Clayton

Unspoken (Kenya) 15 min
Leah Gathoni

The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo (Ghana) 78 min
Yaba Badoe

The Cleansing (Kenya) 15 min
Owino Sang’iewa

The Echoes of Chole Cooley (Canada) 8 min
Andrea Conte

The Fastest Woman Cyclist in Africa (UK) 14 min
Faustin Niyigena 

The Ruler (Rwanda) 70 min


Unomalanga and the Witch (South Africa) 27 min
Palesa Shongwe

Wintry Spring (Egypt) 16 min
Mohamed Kamel

Yes No (Kenya) 15 min
Jennifer Ojezualdadi










18 October 2016

Female Narratives in Nollywood Melodramas by Elizabeth Johnson, Donald Culverson

Female Narratives in Nollywood Melodramas
by Elizabeth Johnson, Donald Culverson
Lexington Books, 2016

Female Narratives in Nollywood Melodramas addresses if this is a good or bad promoter of critical consciousness, as many of the films depict the stifling of women. The authors examine nine Nollywood melodramas through Black feminist, cultivation, audience reception, and social identity theories. Readers will gain an understanding of how Nollywood is a product and contributor to evolving processes of globalization. Recommended for scholars of film studies, communication, African studies, and women studies.


Table of Contents

Foreword: The Promises and Challenges of Female Narratives in Nollywood Melodramas: A Sociocultural and Theoretical Exploration
by Dr. Emmanuel C. Alozie

Introduction: Overview of Nollywood Melodramas

                                     Alternative Frames for Viewing and Thinking about Nollywood Films

                                    The Women of Nollywood: Suffering and Agency

                                 Differential Access to Nollywood Films

                                    Female Directors and Producers of Nollywood Films

                                    Conclusion

                                   Appendix A: Themes of Suffering Seen in the Films

                                 Appendix B: Themes of Agency Concluded in the Films

                                  Appendix C: Film Festivals

                                  Appendix D: Female Filmmakers

                                  References

                                  Index

                                   About the Authors



Related link on the African Women in Cinema Blog

The Color of Rage (2016), a film by Vigil Chimé - Nigeria

The Color of Rage (2016), a film by Vigil Chimé - Nigeria

The Color of Rage, written and directed by American-based filmmaker Vigil Chimé, was shot entirely in Abuja, Nigeria. Starring Chucks Chyke, Nita Byack George, Titi Joseph, Empress Njamah, and Paul Sambo.

The movie tells the story of a married couple, Maureen and Hilary, who are under pressure from various quarters. Maureen is being tormented by the young and beautiful Uche who will stop at nothing to have Maureen’s seemingly perfect life. Hilary is being blackmailed by Presley, a ruthless individual who seems to know everything about him, and the double life he is living. Blinded by arrogance and hubris, Uche and Presley fail to see the color in the hearts of those they are harassing changing from calm to red, which is also the color of rage and of something else … blood”.



Link from African Women in Cinema Blog



17 October 2016

Udada Cell Phone Short Film Competition 2016: Udada International Women’s Film Festival (Kenya)

Udada Cell Phone Short Film Competition 2016
Udada International Women’s Film Festival (Kenya)

Using your phone make a short film (comedy) of not more than 3 minutes based on the sub-theme “How women and girls bring humour and happy moments in our society”.

Send to WhatsApp number +254 735 260 881
by 2l October 2016 0900hrs


13 October 2016

The Durban FilmMart (DFM) 2017: Open for project submissions from 12 October- 12 December 2016

PRESS RELEASE

The Durban FilmMart (DFM) website is officially open for project submissions from 12 October - 12 December 2016.

DFM is looking for about 20 projects in development to bring through to Durban for next year's market at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). Submissions are open to both feature length fiction and documentaries in development.




12 October 2016

Call for Entries 2017: Women's History Month Film Festival - Women in Media-Newark (USA)

Call for Entries 2017
Women's History Month Film Festival Women in Media-Newark (USA)

PRESS RELEASE


Women in the World,” the theme of our 2017 Women’s History Month Film Festival focuses on myriad occurrences experienced by women throughout the world. We are particularly interested in screening films that explore women’s issues surrounding  polygamy, human trafficking, women’s hair and early child marriage.





SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AT A GLANCE…

Each film or video must be accompanied by a completed entry form and applicable entry fees. Entries must be submitted on DVD (NTSC  Region 1). Foreign language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English. Please include a 3 line synopsis of your film.

Please do not send press kits or any other print materials until they are requested by the festival staff.

Mail entire submission package (2 copies of DVD; Copy of completed entry form, and business check or money order) to:

Women In Media – Newark
2016 Film Festival Submissions
PO Box 2183
Newark, NJ 07114

If you have difficulties printing the submission form, please click to download duplicate form here and include in submission package.

For concerns/questions…info@wim-n.com

11 October 2016

Report on the Launch of African Women Filmmakers Hub (Harare, Zimbabwe) 2016

Report on the Launch of African Women Filmmakers Hub (Harare, Zimbabwe)


“Women taking part in film is a democratic issue. It’s about balancing the narrative that has been predominantly male as well as balancing perspective and owning the narrative “, said Kudzai Chimbaira, at the launch of African Women Filmmakers Hub, held in Harare on the 2nd of September 2016.

A day before the 15th edition of the International Images Film Festival (IFF) wrapped up, African women from eight different countries, came together to map a way forward for their equitable inclusion in the continental industry. The vehicle for this is the African Women Filmmakers Hub, a Pan-African platform designed to increase African women's production capacity and presence in film. The project is the brainchild of the Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa. A diverse group of filmmakers from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and Ghana were present at the meeting.

Participants all agreed on one point, the need for African women to claim their space in the film industry. The women in the room were all talented, competent and well accomplished in their chosen craft, however they have all faced the same roadblocks in this male-dominated industry. The meeting provided them with a safe space where they could share experiences working in the industry on the continent with male counterparts who refuse to acknowledge their abilities.

Overseas, the only roles available for them were those of refugees and prostitutes. Those who worked as directors and writers were all expected to tell stories that reinforce stereotypes. As African women they have been constantly confronted with the double jeopardy of being female and black. Participants shared experiences of racism, sexism and body shaming. After standing against this they are ready to be, “radical about claiming this space”.

One participant spoke about the positive stories of women being constantly buried away. More often than not these stories are replaced by negative narratives that continue to undermine the place of women in history and society. The filmmakers at the hub were all committed to challenging the misrepresentation in the film industry to allow women to tell their own stories and experiences.

The African Audiovisual Cinema Commission (AACC) also came into focus during the meeting. The commission since it's inception in April 2016 has been silent on gender issues and the representation of women. The absent voices of women stakeholders in film was noted as a big cause for concern and participants agreed to draw a statement to the African Union. In the statement they asked the AU to align the commission with Agenda 2063 by ensuring the equitable inclusion of women. The statement was read at IIFF 2016’s closing ceremony by Matrid Nyagah from Kenya.

Mapping a way forward, the hub resolved to address the shortage of skills on the continent through mentor-ship programs, master-classes and training workshops. Co-productions and production of short films will be done in the countries represented, which will go a long way in balancing the narratives of African women.

To ensure representation of all the regions a steering committee was selected. The committee will be chaired by Kenya with Senegal serving as deputy. Mini-hubs will be set up in all the three regions.

The African Women Filmmakers Hub is a celebration of women, a challenge to perceptions, stereotypes and a move to change the politics that place African women at the bottom of the food chain. All members of the hub made a commitment to uphold the values of feminism in all the work to be undertaken.

This ground-breaking project was made possible by the Ford Foundation.

RELEVANT LINK ON THE AFRICAN WOMEN IN CINEMA BLOG:

African Women Filmmakers Hub invitation to apply for the Trojan Horse Was a Unicorn THU Career Camp


Wild Track Newsletters #22 and #21 2016, about African Women in Cinema in Zimbabwe

Wild Track Newsletters #22 and #21 2016
about African women in cinema in Zimbabwe

The Wild Track Newsletter is published by the Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA TRUST) 

The Wild Track Newsletter covers information, issues and events relevant and related to African women in cinema in general and specifically those from Zimbabwe, including coverage of the International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF), the annual film festival which takes place in Zimbabwe. In addition, it covers gender related arts-based activities in the Zimbabwe area.

Back issues are also available on the ICAPA Trust site: Issue 20, Issue 19, Issue 18, Issue 17, Issue 15, Issue 14, Issue 13, Issue 12, Issue 11, Issue 10, Issue 9, Issue 8, Issue 7.


Current issue #22 contents include:







Issue #21 contents include:







10 October 2016

10th Black International Film Festival (UK) Announces Programme Featuring Nnegest Likke’s “Everything But A Man”

10th Black International Film Festival (UK) Announces Programme

PRESS RELEASE

The 10th Black International Film Festival (BIFF) is delighted to announce its programme of live screenings and events in Birmingham, UK from 24–29 October 2016.

Submissions have been received from all over the world, as far as the Middle East, the Caribbean and the US.  Chosen submissions are being screened throughout the festival and on BIFF digital, the festival’s online platform.

The Festival celebrates local filmmakers as well as International talent.  Live screening events start on Monday 24 October at The Crescent Theatre, with the documentary film Nathan East: For The Record by Filmmaker Chris Gero, which takes viewers behind-the-scenes of one of the most influential bass players in modern music.

This year’s festival also includes a Special Presentation at the Everyman Mailbox Cinema on Wednesday 26 October BIFF has secured a Birmingham Premiere of The Pass, by Ben A. Williams (Director) and Producer Duncan Kenworthy (Four Weddings And A Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually).  The film, a story of a closeted gay premier league footballer, has been a global hit on the festival circuit and recently secured a distribution deal, for general release in December.

Festival screenings close on Thursday 27 October at The Crescent Theatre with the feature, Everything But A Man, by Nnegest Likke.  The US filmmaker will be flying in to discuss the challenges which strong, independent women face in relationships.

Finalist films have been nominated for the BIF Festival’s awards program and winners will be announced at the star studded Movie Video and Screen Awards (MViSA) at the ICC, Birmingham on 29 October 2016. The Festival awards Best Feature or Documentary, and Best Short.

Over the last nine years the Black International Film Festival and MViSA Awards has grown into a well know established event in the city’s social calendar, continuing to attract industry professionals from across the world. This year the festival will again be promoting its new online platform, BIFF Digital, which will host screenings from 17 October. This initiative is part of the Festival’s strategy to increase accessibility within its programme.

Talking about this year’s festival, Festival Director Sheryl Miller says: “It’s been an exciting 10th year, and the first for us as a Festival team.  Our main aim was to showcase films that truly reflect the broad spectrum of a diverse, multi-cultural society and show people of colour in a different light to that often portrayed by Mainstream Hollywood.  Hopefully, we’ve achieved that” 

For further information about the Black International Film Festival please visit: https://Biffestival.vhx.tv

To support funding for the Film Festival please visit: https://igg.me/at/Biffestival

08 October 2016

The Africa Movie Academy Awards 2017: Call for Submissions (Nigeria)

The Africa Movie Academy Awards 2017: Call for Submissions


Deadline: 31 December 2016

The Africa Movie Academy Awards, popularly known as AMAA and The AMA Awards, are presented annually to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry. It was founded by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe and run through the Africa Film Academy.

The awards are aimed at honouring and promoting excellence in the African movie industry and Africans in the diaspora as well as uniting the Africans from across the globe through arts and culture. The award presentation is attended by numerous media representatives, celebrities, politicians, journalists, actresses and actors from all across the world. The AMA awards are widely considered to be Africa's most important film even and the most prestigious film award in for people of African descent.

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film 
Best Documentary 
Best Diaspora Feature 
Best Diaspora Documentary 
Best Animation 
Achievement In Production Design 
Achievement In Costume Design 
Achievement In Make-Up 
Achievement In Soundtrack 
Achievement in Visual Effects 
Achievement In Sound 
Achievement In Cinematography 
Achievement In Editing 
Best Film by an African Living Abroad 
Best Actor in a Leading Role 
Best Actress In A Leading Role 
Best First Feature Film by a Director 
Best Diaspora Short Film 
Achievement In Screenplay 
Best Nigerian Film 
Best Film in an African Language 
Most Promising Actor 
Best Child Actor 
Best Actor In A Supporting Role 
Best Actress In A Supporting Role 
Best Director
Best Film


06 October 2016

Call for Entries - Appel à candidatures : La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde 2017

Call for Entries - Appel à candidatures : La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde

Apply to La Fabrique 2017 now!

La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde is a professional programme, developed by the Institut français, to help talented young directors from emerging countries increase their international exposure. Every year, the directors and producers of 10 first or second feature film projects are selected to attend this programme during the Festival de Cannes. More information are available on La Fabrique (regulations, online form…) on: Call for entries.

All projects must be registered and received online by Wednesday, 16 November 2016 at the latest. A maximum of 120 projects will be accepted. We sometimes have to close before the deadline. Apply now!

L'appel à candidatures pour La Fabrique 2017 est en ligne!

La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde est un programme professionnel développé par l’Institut français pour favoriser l’émergence de la jeune création des pays du Sud sur le marché international. Chaque année, les réalisateurs et producteurs d'une dizaine de projets de 1er ou 2ème long-métrage sont sélectionnés pour participer à ce programme pendant le Festival de Cannes. Vous trouvez toutes les informations sur La Fabrique (règlement, formulaire d'inscription en ligne...), en cliquant sur: Appel à candidatures.

La date limite d'inscription est fixée au mercredi 16 novembre 2016, dans la limite de 120 projets. Attention, ce quota est parfois atteint quelques jours avant la date limite. N'attendez pas !


05 October 2016

Call for Scripts – Stories that focus on the lives of women

Call for Scripts – Stories that focus on the lives of women

Udada International Women’s Film Festival (Kenya) in collaboration with the Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (Zimbabwe) invite young filmmakers (of both genders) to submit their screenplays for consideration:


Deadline: 7 October 2016


Blog Archive