Filmmakers shortlisted for UNESCO’s African folktales contest

Twenty one filmmakers have been shortlisted for the Netflix and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) African Folktales, Reimagined Competition. Four Nigerian filmmakers make the list from candidates selected from 13 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Nigerians, Nosa Igbinedion, Akorede Azeez, Tongryang Pantu and Anita Abada aim to be among the six winners […]

Twenty one filmmakers have been shortlisted for the Netflix and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) African Folktales, Reimagined Competition.

Four Nigerian filmmakers make the list from candidates selected from 13 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Nigerians, Nosa Igbinedion, Akorede Azeez, Tongryang Pantu and Anita Abada aim to be among the six winners that will create short films which will be premiered on Netflix.

In a statement released by Netflix, the 21 emerging will be required to pitch their stories to a judging panel comprising of the mentors; Nigeria’s Femi Odugbemi; South Africa’s Bongiwe Selane; Leila Afua Djansi from Ghana, David Tosh Gitonga from Kenya; and Jean Luc Herbulot from Congo as well as representatives from Netflix and UNESCO who will act as guides in the process.

The panel will select the final six filmmakers who will receive a production grant of US$75,000 (through a local production company) to develop, shoot and post-produce their films under the guidance of Netflix and industry mentors to ensure everyone involved in the production is fairly compensated. Each of the 6 winners will also receive $25,000.

“Congratulations to those who have been shortlisted! They should all be proud of the quality of their work. This competition showcases the extraordinary cultural richness that Africa has to offer that we want to share with people all over the world, as Africa is a priority for UNESCO,” says Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.

Adding to UNESCO’s congratulatory message, Ben Amadasun, Netflix Director of Content in Africa said, “We also want to thank our panel of independent industry professionals who undertook the mammoth task to read over 2080 applications until they found 21 strong submissions! The response from all the aspiring filmmakers who took the time to submit their application also proves that there’s a wealth of storytelling potential and talent in Africa and we at Netflix are excited to be part of this journey for more talented new voices to share their stories with the world.”

The candidates were selected following a rigorous evaluation process by a wide range of industry professionals from across the continent who assessed over 2080 applications from across the continent in multiple languages. The shortlist contains a dynamic group of African creatives from across 13 countries in the region.

Other candidates are Ebot Tanyi (Cameroon); Loukman Ali (Uganda); Walt Mzengi (Tanzania); Venance Soro (Côte d’Ivoire); Mark Wambui(Kenya); Volana Razafimanantsoa (Madagascar); Mohamed Echkouna (Mauritania); Nader Fakhry (Côte d’Ivoire); Anne Catherine Tchokonté (Cameroon); Mphonyana Mokokwe (Botswana); Samuel Kanyama (Zambia); Machérie Ekwa-Bahango (Democratic Republic of Congo); Oprah Oyugi (Kenya); Ndiyathemba Modibedi (South Africa); Gcobisa Yako (South Africa); Katya Aragão (São Tomé and Príncipe) and Voline Ogutu (Kenya).