Africa No Filter

Ghana’s first sci-fi movie “The B.A.T.U Project: ADAM THE FIRST”, has been selected for the prestigious Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival taking place on the 18th and 19th of January 2025 in Miami, Florida USA. The movie tells the story of Adam (Bex) who is tasked with finding a new home for mankind following the destruction of earth by nuclear war. Upon arrival, Adam existence is threatened, he must battle this entity to fulfil his mission and ensure the survival of humanity.

Attn: Deputy Editor, Edward Carr: Thanks for The Economist’s recently published Report on Africa. It’s not every day that we receive such a thorough diagnosis of the continent’s challenges, paired with a refreshingly straightforward solution. What a pleasant surprise it was to see Africa featured so prominently in your esteemed publication! We truly appreciate the spotlight. There is much to admire about your editorial overview, which arrived in my inbox last week. While I haven’t yet had the chance to fully digest the report itself, your note offers a tantalizing preview. Who would have guessed that the phrase “Growth Powered by Open Markets and Capitalism” could hold the key to solving all of Africa’s challenges? It’s a simple yet profound insight, and I can’t help but marvel at how this revelation has managed to elude us for so long. It’s comforting to know that, from London, your team has been able to craft such a transformative theory of change for a continent of 54 sovereign nations. Your observations about African leaders not being “serious about growth” are particularly helpful. I’m sure they’ll find this advice to “get serious about growth” to be both timely and inspiring. Equally elegant is your suggestion that we adopt “the self-confident spirit of modernization” seen in East Asia and India. I was especially struck by your proposed method of achieving this: by building “political consensus.” As we’ve seen from the seamless political harmony in the UK, US, and France, this should be an easily replicable strategy. One of the high points of your message was your acknowledgment that Africa’s development “depends not on copying and pasting well-meaning proposals by World Bank economists.” It’s reassuring to know that The Economist has taken the time to deeply understand the continent, distinguishing itself from other institutions. I also couldn’t help but admire the cover image of the report, it must have been quite the challenge to distil an entire continent’s diversity into a single visual. Yet your team has managed to capture the essence of over a billion people and countless cultures in one evocative image. Bravo! I do feel compelled to gently point out a small oversight in your note. While you describe Africa as the poorest continent, it’s worth mentioning that it is, in fact, the richest - at least when measured by its natural resources and untapped potential. But I understand how this might be less obvious from the vantage point of your London headquarters. I have no doubt that your recommendations will be swiftly implemented, and I look forward to seeing a follow-up report celebrating its inevitable success. Please pass on my appreciation to your editorial team for their thoughtful work. Warm regards, Moky Makura Africa No Filter P.S. I absolutely agree with your point that Africa needs “less paternalism.” It’s a refreshing perspective, and I’m grateful that your approach reflects this sentiment so well.

Hot opportunities. This week’s hot opportunities. Are you a journalist? You can apply for the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship. Benefits: 👉🏾$40,000 stipend. Deadline: 15 January. 📝https://lnkd.in/dnw5-ARd Emerging writers are welcome to send in their submissions for the Island Prize. Benefits: 👉🏾£500 for the winner. 👉🏾£200 each for the two runners-up. Deadline: 16 February. 📝https://lnkd.in/du9gQMre Are you an African filmmaker? You can apply for the Expedition Filmmaking Workshop. Benefits: 👉🏾Mentorship and training. 👉🏾All expenses paid. 👉🏾Stipend. Deadline: 20 January. 📝https://lnkd.in/dt_i4GsC Early-career Journalist interested in environmental and climate Journalism can apply for the Grist fellowship program. Benefits: 👉🏾 $55,000 annual base salary. Deadline: 21 January. 📝https://lnkd.in/dbxuePW Creative writers who have great answers to the question “Is data failing us?” can enter for the Nine Dots Prize. Benefits: 👉🏾$100,000 to write a short book expanding on their ideas. Deadline: 27 January. 📝https://ninedotsprize.org/

Shiela’s cousin is embarking on her first journey to Africa. But how has negative media shaped her perspective? Part 1 “Going to Africa” is a hilarious thought provoking skit from Africa No Filter Comedy Lab, created by Sheila Muthoni Wachira to flip the script on negative stereotypes about the continent. Through humor, it reminds us of the power of storytelling in reshaping narratives about Africa—because the real stories are far more vibrant and diverse than the clichés we’re used to hearing. Watch, laugh, and reflect: What stories are shaping your perspective of Africa? #Africa #AfricanComedy #FlipTheScript #AfricaNoFilter

Africa is a continent that is progressing, filled with opportunities, innovation and creativity, yet these barely make the headlines. ANF’s guide, “Why Change the Way We Write About Africa”, offers new approaches for covering African stories. Here are eight take aways on How to Write about Africa in 8 steps: An Ethical Storytelling handbook. Download full handbook here: https://lnkd.in/dNvnPVT7 1. CHECK YOUR PRIVILEGE: Be aware of your own perspectives and how they might influence your reporting. 2. ENSURE RESPECTFUL ENGAGEMENTS: Take the time to get to know your interviewees and their community before you begin filming or interviewing. 3. TACKLE IMPLICIT BIAS IN THE HIRING PROCESS: Many donor & development agencies employ people with similar biases to go into the field to capture stories, so make sure your team reflects the diversity of the communities you cover. 4. ADDRESS IMPLICIT BIAS IN STORYTELLING: Stories told by development communicators and donor organisations should acknowledge individual and community perspectives, avoiding stereotypes. 5. USE ETHICAL GUIDELINES AFRICA & INFORMED CONSENT CORRECTLY: Have a dialogue with interviewees to explain in detail what consent forms are and ensure they understand before featuring them. 6. UNDERSTAND THE LOCAL CONTEXT: Story gatherers need to be aware of the specific dynamics and complexities within communities when telling stories. 7. INVEST TIME IN YOUR PROJECTS: Without proper planning and scheduling, the story-gathering process can be rushed, at the expense of taking time to gather accurate information. 8. INVEST IN YOUR PEOPLE: Organisations should make a long-term commitment to pursuing ethical storytelling by investing in their communications team, this can be done through trainings.

5 African Photographers Redefining the Continent's Visual Narratives. The way Africa is seen often depends on the stories we tell and the images we share. These five African photographers are changing global perceptions by capturing the beauty, resilience, and diversity of the continent: 📸 Yagazie Emezi (Nigeria) A documentary photographer whose work explores identity, culture, and social justice, with a strong focus on women's rights and empowerment. 📸 Zanele Muholi (South Africa) A renowned visual activist documenting the lives of South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community, challenging societal norms and advocating for representation and equality. 📸 Sarah Waiswa (Kenya) Through evocative portraits and documentary work, Sarah explores themes of identity and culture, challenging stereotypes and highlighting Africa’s diversity. 📸 Vadu Rodrigues (Cape Verde) The creator of *Positive Africa*, Vadu has traveled to over 25 countries, capturing Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and people to promote a more uplifting narrative of the continent. 📸 Mohamed Mohamud (Somalia) A photojournalist sharing authentic stories of the Somali diaspora, capturing their journeys and celebrating their resilience. These photographers are not only shaping Africa’s visual identity but also sparking global conversations. Their lenses offer a balanced, powerful, and inspiring narrative of the continent. NOTE ** The second photograph after yagazieemezi ‘s picture belongs to an outstanding African photographer Daniel Obasi

Have you signed the petition to #StopBandAid? The #StopBandAid campaign stands in solidarity with @FuseODG in calling for the BBC to rethink releasing its documentary celebrating Band Aid - "a project that has historically dehumanized Africans and undermined their pride and identity under the guise of 'charity'". Sign the petition here: https://lnkd.in/daaSJxir

2024 was filled with outstanding achievements by Africans in various creative industries. These are some of the moments we loved: Lupita Nyong'o's podcast, "Mind Your Own," for offering an essential platform for African voices in the diaspora. Tems, Tyla, and Makhadzi for making impact by putting Africa on the map with their big win at the BET awards. Rema's groundbreaking achievement in the US Afrobeats scene. Charity Ekezie, Uncle Mo, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Claude Grunitzky, Marie Mbullu, Wode Maya, for being recognized among Africa Magazine's 100 Most Influential Africans. Ghanaian designer, Dede Ayite for making history with her Tony Award win. PJ Morton for his successful "Cape Town to Cairo" tour that emphasized Africa's potential as a major concert hub. Blitz Bazawule for his recognition on variety’s “10 directors to watch”. Zeinab Badawi's empowering book, that showcases Africa's dynamic cultural landscape. Nicholas Wales's visionary speech, pointing out Africa’s great potential in trade and resources. Heman Bekele’s recognition as Time magazine's 2024 Kid of the Year. Media expert Adebola Williams (@debolalagos), for using stunning images of Lagos in his #OnePositiveTale campaign to challenge negative stereotypes about Africa. Ethiopia’s Prime minister, Abiy Ahmed’s stance on Band Aid 40, reminding us that his country’s future relies not on pity, but on its ancient heritage and booming economy.

This week’s hot opportunities. Independent media organizations, civic groups and associations can apply for the NED grants for media projects. Benefits: 👉🏾 Up to $50,000. Deadline: 7 January. 📝NED grants for media projects open [Worldwide] | International Journalists' Network Podcasters are encouraged to apply for the Micro-Grants for podcasters programme. Benefits: 👉🏾 £1000. 👉🏾 Production support. Deadline: 3 January. 📝https://lnkd.in/dRt_pRcq Student journalists reporting on disability can send in their entries for the Gary Corcoran Student Prize for Excellence. Benefits: 👉🏾 $2,500 for first place. 👉🏾 $1,500 for second place. 👉🏾 $1,000 for third place. Deadline: 10 January. 📝https://lnkd.in/gFgNEPDR Journalists reporting on issues related to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls can apply for the Gender Equality grants at Pulitzer Center. Benefits: 👉🏾$5,000 Deadline: Rolling. 📝https://lnkd.in/eicPkcMT Filmmakers, visual artists and cinematographers who use artificial intelligence models in their creative process can apply for +RAIN Film Festival. Benefits: 👉🏾 €3,000 for best film prize. 👉🏾 €2,000 for emerging talent award. Deadline: 9 March. 📝https://lnkd.in/dR6RwAsS

How many words can you Uncover ? When you hear 'Africa', what do you see? Seek out words that highlight the progress, innovation and opportunities in Africa. Drop your answers in the comment section, let’s see who gets it all. Puzzle level: Medium