Empowering Female Creatives: A New Dawn at the Africa Creative Market
Discover how Women in the Arts Collective is rewriting the story for women in Nollywood and beyond with their transformative Residency Workshop.
In the vibrant world of African cinema, a transformative event is taking center stage. The recently launched Residency Workshop by the Women in the Arts (WIA) Collective is set to redefine female presence and influence in Nollywood and wider creative industries.
A Grand Collaboration
Held at the iconic Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, the Residency Workshop is a cornerstone of the Female Representation and Advancement in Media (FRAME) incubator program. This initiative is a result of a visionary partnership developed with Joke Silva, the esteemed President of the Forum for Women in Film and Television (FWIFT) Nigeria. According to Premium Times Nigeria, this workshop aims to provide an empowering platform for women to tell their authentic stories.
Breaking the Box
For years, female characters in Nollywood have been consigned to one-dimensional roles. Leading this charge of change is Brenda Fashugba, a cultural strategist dedicated to creating a future where female voices are both heard and respected. “Our aim is to break the stereotypes—the witch, the long-suffering wife, the slay queen—and foster a space for multidimensional portrayal,” she passionately explains.
Hands-On Empowerment
The workshop isn’t just about dialogue; participants engage in rigorous hands-on sessions, learning to build authentic characters and plot lines ready for production. With interactions that include insight from acclaimed female filmmakers, this event acts as a catalyst for personal and professional growth among female creatives.
Building Networks and Mentorship
Collaboration is key, and the partnership with FWIFT ensures that participants are connected with mentors and cross-border collaborations. The WIA Collective sees this platform as not only educational but also as a vital career opportunity, elevating women into positions of industry influence.
Reflecting Diversity and Strength
Organizers stressed that these initiatives contribute significantly to the global narrative of Nollywood, focusing on stories that celebrate the strength and complexity of African women. It’s a wave of change, creating ripples across the arts, challenging perceptions, and inspiring upcoming generations of creatives.
Join this cultural renaissance at the upcoming Africa Creative Market, where the stars of tomorrow are born today.