To give verve to the production of short films in Africa, Africa Film Academy (AFA), owner of the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) brand has introduced Voices Africa, a platform that will use short movies to change the narrative about Africa.
Voices Africa will be a monthly story challenge for up-and-coming filmmakers across Africa, especially trainees, through AMAA mobile film training project (Film in a Box). The best story from the challenge will be developed and produced into a short film, according to President of AFA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who announced the initiative at the recent American Film Market in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, United States of America (U.S.).
“We hope to produce tens of short movies every year. We have decided to sponsor only the stories that project the light in Africa. We shall use these stories to explore the beautiful cultures and traditions that Africa is known for. Also, our stories will explore the challenges of Africans and draw attentions to critical issues often lost in the news.
“Over the next couple of months on our website, we shall be seeking stories through our monthly story challenge. For a month, Africa would share with us the sparks that keep her lights on. We would love to hear the story of our daily heroes and inspirations,” she said.
She explained that the best five stories will win a $500 prize and it would be produced during AFA’s Film in Box training.
These short films would also be showcased during the 2015 AMAA Awards, with the objective to transform the hearts of many and show the possibility of an Africa.
“We are looking for a new crop of film professionals to help us liberate the visual misery of Africa and create the reality of Africa with truth and light at the end of the tunnel,” she said at the American Film Market which has major players in the business of motion picture around the world in attendance.
The AMAA and AFA delegation, which also included movie marketers from Nigeria, were in the U.S. to participate in the international film market exhibition.