Academy for African Filmmakers has been launched in partnership with MOFILM
Unilever has launched a new initiative to train and empower Kenyan filmmakers. Under the Academy for African Filmmakers (AAF), the consumer goods manufacturer is seeking to develop filmmaking expertise among participants who will work on live Unilever briefs and stand a chance of getting funding.
Unilever has partnered with MOFILM, a global community of filmmakers that aims to inspire filmmakers and help them further their careers, to offer an intensive three-day course which will run in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa in December 2014. The academy is part of the Unilever Foundry, a platform which the company launched in May to collaborate and experiment with the digital and creative community.
While making the announcement today Unilever’s CEO, East Africa & Emerging Markets, Marc Engel said today that Kenyan and East African film makers to take advantage and hone their film making skills. “AAF seeks to bring in the much needed push aimed at equipping filmmakers and elevating the African film industry to global standards,” he said. “Africa is ably represented in the world scene when it comes to motion pictures. It is no secret that great talent abounds in this culturally diverse continent; we are however yet to reach our full potential.”
The curriculum will cover several aspects of filmmaker theory and practice, with a focus on developing the story telling skills. The training is open to aspiring filmmakers from across Africa aged between 16 and 30 with technical proficiency in filmmaking and can demonstrate a passion for film and storytelling.
“Africa is home to a huge pool of young, talented filmmakers. Through this partnership with MOFILM, we’re seeking to nurture talent and give young African creatives the opportunity and the stage to tell the authentic story which underpins Unilever’s brands in Africa,” said Marc Mathieu, Senior Vice President for Global Marketing.
Jeffrey Merrihue, Founder and MOFILM CEO, said: “MOFILM had great success in 2013 in finding untapped African filmmaking talent. We visited many film schools and production houses, meeting hundreds of filmmakers and those efforts resulted in two filmmakers being celebrated at the International Festival of Creativity at Cannes.
“Through partnering with Unilever, the AAF will build on this work and give even greater opportunity for African filmmakers to shine on a local and global stage.”
Idea Trophy winners Meanwhile, The University of Eldoret produced the winning team in this year’s Idea Trophy inter-university innovation competition finals. The contest, sponsored by Unilever Kenya, focuses on the development of personal and entrepreneurial business competencies among undergraduates.
Seif Salim, Clifford Ogeto and Elvis Kipkorir from University of Eldoret were judged the best, beating over 700 other students from four participating universities. The contest was launched in July for student teams of three from public and private universities. They were required to generate innovative ideas on creating brand awareness and growing product usage among their peers in the target schools.
Unilever CEO for East Africa and emerging markets Marc Engel commended the winners for their hard work and creativity, adding that the experience they gained from the competition will go a long way in shaping their careers. “Unilever is committed towards investing in Kenya’s young bright minds who are also the future leaders, employers and entrepreneurs of this economic hub of East Africa,” said Mr Engel.
This year’s winning team will travel to Unilever London where they will hone their skills. In addition, the finalists got a chance to work with the best in the sales and marketing departments as well as key mentors under the Unilever Future Leaders Programme. .
