Spotlighting African Creativity in Film
Nigerian filmmaker Damilola Orimogunje, Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir, and Ethiopian filmmaker Beza Hailu Lemma have each been recognized as recipients of the prestigious Hubert Bals Fund (HBF). This fund serves as the international co-financing arm of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), dedicated to supporting filmmakers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. The HBF has played a pivotal role in fostering groundbreaking cinematic projects worldwide, particularly from regions that often struggle with limited funding and inadequate infrastructure for filmmaking.
Each year, the Hubert Bals Fund awards €60,000 to eight selected projects through its HBF+Europe support initiatives, which include five projects through Minority Co-production Support and three through Post-production Support. This year's selections highlight the rich storytelling and unique perspectives that African filmmakers bring to the global stage.
Notable Works from Emerging Filmmakers
Orimogunje’s film, Dear Ajayi, has emerged as one of the three recipients of the HBF+Europe Post-production Support. This poignant narrative, set in 1990s Nigeria, delves into the lives of two estranged sisters as they navigate the complexities of caring for their paralyzed mother while grappling with grief, ambition, and the strains of familial relationships. This film follows Orimogunje’s debut project, For Maria Ebun Pataki, which premiered at Film Africa 2020 and earned accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In the realm of HBF+Europe Minority Co-Production Support, El Moudir’s Don’t Let the Sun Go Up On Me has gained attention for its innovative approach. This hybrid documentary, which has production ties across Morocco, France, Norway, Denmark, and Chile, tells the story of Meriem, a woman who strives to realize the dreams of her late sister Fatimazahra, who lived her life under the constraints of xeroderma pigmentosum. El Moudir’s previous work, The Mother of All Lies, garnered the Directing Prize in Un Certain Regard at Cannes 2023, showcasing her talent and commitment to storytelling.
Lastly, Lemma’s The Last Tears of the Deceased, which has co-production collaborations in Ethiopia, Canada, Germany, and France, presents a dreamlike exploration of Ethiopia through the eyes of a newly ordained priest seeking to uncover truths about his own childhood death. Lemma’s short film Alazar premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week and has received numerous accolades at prestigious festivals such as the Red Sea Film Festival and FESPACO, further establishing his reputation in the global film community.
As reported by culturecustodian.com.
