‘My Father’s Shadow’ Producer Funmbi Ogunbanwo Headlines Inaugural African Producers Accelerator Program (EXCLUSIVE)

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As a fervent admirer, I am thrilled to share that Funmbi Ogunbanwo, the dynamic Nigerian film producer behind “My Father’s Shadow,” Nigeria’s groundbreaking debut at Cannes Un Certain Regard, has been chosen to be part of the inaugural group for the African Producers Accelerator (APA). This esteemed pilot program, a joint effort between Big World Cinema from South Africa and the Bertha Foundation, is designed to address longstanding challenges encountered by mid-career film and television producers across Africa.

Ogunbanwo is part of a group of five distinguished producers from various continental regions who have been selected for a 12-week mentorship program offering tailored assistance. The lineup includes Neo Baloyi, South African producer of the Netflix sensation “Collision”; Jorge Cohen, Angolan producer and co-founder of Geração 80; Josh Olaoluwa, a former EbonyLife producer who has also been part of Red Sea Labs and Biennale Cinema College; Annemarie Du Plessis, an accomplished South African producer whose film “Carissa” was showcased at the Venice Film Festival; and Zoe Ramushu, a multi-talented Zimbabwean/South African director-producer who has recently been nominated at Cannes 2025 for her innovative app supporting women of color in the film industry.

As a passionate movie critic, I’ve come to realize the unique struggles African film producers face in their journey through the industry. That’s why I wholeheartedly support the African Producers’ Alliance (APA), an initiative designed to bridge this gap.

The APA is not just another club; it’s a platform that offers personalized advice, expert consultations, and strategic interventions tailored specifically to each producer’s unique business and creative challenges. By doing so, the APA aims to bolster the resilience of these companies, aid in project development, craft effective funding strategies, and expand international distribution networks.

In essence, the APA is all about fostering a collaborative network that supports producers not just for the short term, but for the long haul. This community-driven approach will undoubtedly play a crucial role in nurturing and uplifting African cinema to new heights.

Steven Markovitz, founder of Big World Cinema (known for films like ‘Rafiki’ and ‘Omen’), stated that we have created content in over 30 countries across the continent with local collaborators. We’ve encountered numerous shared challenges with limited solutions. However, it’s not just about offering assistance to the producers; our program will also foster an atmosphere where we openly exchange knowledge, acknowledge our collective strength as independent producers, and brainstorm ways to collaborate and support each other beyond the initial three months.

In this initial launch of the African Producers Accelerator, Tamsin Ranger, a partner at Big World Cinema, emphasizes our dedication to lasting growth centered around producers. This program supplements current industry initiatives by providing tailored and continuous assistance,” she stated.

At first, the program was only for notable figures from key African film institutions like Durban FilmMart, The Realness Institute, and the Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab. However, in upcoming versions, it will offer open applications and broaden its alumni benefits.

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2025-05-21 17:16