Desmond Elliot and Kate Henshaw join the esteemed jury for the 12th AFRIFF, set to award 14 Globe Awards to outstanding visual storytellers. Learn more about this international film festival’s mission to boost African cinema and its global impact.
“12th AFRIFF Jury Lineup: A Star-Studded Panel”
AFRIFF, the Africa International Film Festival, has unveiled its jury members for the eagerly anticipated 12th edition, taking place from November 5 to 11, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria. This year’s festival has already made waves by receiving over 2,000 film submissions from more than 100 countries across five continents, marking it as a truly global celebration of cinematic excellence.
The distinguished jury panel, a testament to the remarkable talent within the global film industry, is led by Stephen ‘Dr.’ Love, a producer known for his involvement in one of Netflix’s most-watched movies of the year. Joining him are Emmy-nominated Nigerian-British writer and producer Abby Ajayi, Nigerian film producer Greg Otudayo, and Tsitsi Dangarembga, the Zimbabwean award-winning author and recipient of the 2023 African Peace Prize.
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“Global Perspectives and Expertise”
The jury further boasts an international flavor with members like Lebanese-French actress and director Wafa’a Céline Halawi, entertainment and technology expert Geneva Wasserman, and Japanese media influencer Ranada Shepard. Renowned Hollywood producer Nicholas Weinstock and multi-talented film acquisition expert Busola Tejumola are also among the distinguished jurors, adding their unique perspectives to the selection process.
Notably, the jury includes two prominent figures from the Nigerian film industry – Kate Henshaw, a seasoned actress and Nollywood royalty, and Desmond Elliott, a Nigerian economist and filmmaker. Their presence on the panel underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating African talent and promoting the growth of the local film industry.
The international jury’s primary responsibility is to award the coveted AFRIFF Globe Awards to the most exceptional artists and maestros in the realm of visual storytelling. This recognition not only celebrates the brilliance of filmmakers but also provides a platform for them to gain international recognition and reach a global audience.
The 12th edition of AFRIFF is especially significant following the success of the 2022 edition, which featured the opening of the festival by major players like Disney’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Amazon’s “Nanny,” a Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner. These high-profile entries solidified AFRIFF’s position as a global cinematic showcase.
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Global Industry Stakeholders:
The festival’s reach extends far beyond film enthusiasts and creators. Paramount, Amazon, Disney, Netflix, Showmax, Mediawan, DStv, Dentsu, the African Union, Canal Plus, Afreximbank, and many other global industry stakeholders have recognized AFRIFF’s importance and attended the event. Their presence is a testament to the festival’s ability to create opportunities and foster growth within the African creative industry.
