Two local filmmakers shortlisted for Netflix Africa competition

CAPE TOWN - Two South Africans are among 21 emerging filmmakers from the continent to be shortlisted for Netflix & Unesco’s African Folktales, Reimagined Competition.

Netflix and Unesco on Wednesday announced the shortlisted candidates, which include Ndiyathemba Modibedi and Gcobisa Yako from South Africa.

The candidates were selected following a rigorous evaluation process by a wide range of industry professionals from across the continent who assessed over 2 080 applications from across the continent in multiple languages.

The shortlist contains a dynamic group of African creatives from across 13 countries in the region.

The shortlisted filmmakers in no particular order are Nosa Igbinedion (Nigeria); Ebot Tanyi (Cameroon); Loukman Ali (Uganda); Tongryang Pantu (Nigeria); 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); Anita Abada (Nigeria); Samuel Kanyama (Zambia); Machérie Ekwa-Bahango (Democratic Republic of Congo); Oprah Oyugi (Kenya); Ndiyathemba Modibedi (South Africa); Gcobisa Yako (South Africa); Akorede Azeez (Nigeria); Katya Aragão (São Tomé and Príncipe) and Voline Ogutu (Kenya).

“The 21 emerging filmmakers will go on to the next phase of the competition where they 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,” Netflix said.

“The panel will select the final six filmmakers who will receive a production grant of $75,000 (about R1.1 million), 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 six winners will also receive $25,000.”

Ernesto Ottone R, Unesco Assistant Director-General for Culture, congratulated the candidates.

“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.”

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.”

For more information about the competition, visit www.netflix-growcreative.com/unesco