'African Folktales Reimagined': Netflix, UNESCO Announce Shortlisted Names For Film Competition

Netflix and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have revealed the 20 shortlisted candidates for the short film competition, African Folktales, Reimagined.

In a press release made available to AllNews Nigeria, it was disclosed that those who made the list are from 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 20 candidates selected, six winners will go on to make short films that will premiere on Netflix.

The shortlisted filmmakers 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).

 UNESCO Assistant Director-Gen. for Culture, Ernesto Ottone Ramirez

The next phase of the competition will see the candidates pitch their stories to a judging panel made up of the following 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 guide the participants in the process. 

 UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, congratulated the candidates, urging them to be proud of their work.

According to him, the competition showcases the richness of Africa which they intend to share with the rest of the world.

"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", he said.

Netflix Director of Content in Africa, Ben Amadasun

Ben Amadasun, Netflix Director of Content in Africa, added: "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 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."