July Newsletter
CEO's Desk
In the first half of the year, our company has had a strong impact and presence in the film business globally. This has been through our attendance of various high level stakeholder round-tables as well as industry forums. We have successfully acquired and distributed new high quality African films and series, which have been well-received by audiences globally.
Our efforts to enhance our acquisition and distribution process are on track. Client feedback has been positive overall, though we need to improve our response times.
Looking ahead, we will focus on refining our strategic priorities, particularly around talent management and enhancing customer experience. The first six months have provided valuable insights, and I am confident we are on the right path to achieving our year-end goals. We affirm our commitment in promoting and elevating the quality of audiovisual content and in return attracting global monetization opportunities.
Wildscreen Festival Tanzania
The CEO of Media Pros Africa, Ms. Wangeci Murage, participated in two insightful panels focused on the crucial topic of Funding in the media industry at the Wildscreen Festival Tanzania held at the Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha on 6th and 7th June.
The first panel, "The Mosaic of Funding," featured esteemed speakers Nashipae Orumoy of the African Wildlife Foundation, Renny Matsiko of Documentary Africa, Wambui Gathee of Docubox East Africa, and Jigar Ganatra of AFRISOS, who shared invaluable perspectives on securing support for conservation documentaries.
This year marked the 3rd edition of PWFF, and it remained the only festival of its kind on the continent. We showcased a diverse selection of films that explored various themes and cultures, offering unique perspectives and storytelling techniques. In addition to screenings, the festival featured workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to inspire and equip aspiring filmmakers.
Later, Wangeci contributed her expertise to the "TV Funding" discussion alongside Dr. Ayub Rioba, the Director General of Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, Johnny Keeling, head of BBC Natural History Unit, and moderator Nakaaya Sumari from Tanzania Safari Channel, shedding light on the funding landscape for television projects dedicated to nature and wildlife.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Olive Tonkin and Lucie Muir from Wildscreen for their warm hospitality and for orchestrating such a memorable and impactful event.
Other sessions held include:
- In Conservation With Erica Rugabandana: Insight into Living With Lions and harmonious living with wildlife.
- Development 101: Tips on turning ideas into great films.
- Mastering Your Showreel: Showcasing skills and creativity.
- Getting the Gig: Effective self-marketing for filmmakers.
- Skills in the Field: The importance of teamwork and communication in natural history shoots.
- Premiere Screening: Chameleon Corridors by Jigar Ganatra and AFRISOS, exploring human-wildlife co-existence in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains.
Sunny Side of the Doc
Sunny Side of the Doc just wrapped up its 35th anniversary edition (June 24-27) with an incredible turnout! Over four days, the event welcomed 2100 participants from 68 countries, 1000+ companies, 90 exhibitors, and 250 international decision-makers. It was attended by a delegation from Nigeria, Kenya, Mauritania, Sudan, Comores, WildlifeDirect, DocA, and Docubox.
Our CEO, Wangeci, was among the Kenyan delegation at the international marketplace and community for documentaries with Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect Inc. From June 24th to 27th in La Rochelle, France, where we showcased the award-winning Wildlife Warriors TV Series and more. The 36th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc will take place on 23-26 June, 2025.
EMPALIKINO by Eric Mwangi (Kenya) won the prestigious Conservation Pitch at the event. The film is a powerful perspective on human predator co-existence. It secured France based Jacqueline Farmer as a Producer who joined Paula Kahumbu and Mungai from Kenya.
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs
We are thrilled to announce that our CEO, Wangeci Mūrage, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Kenya. This initiative is championed by the Ushindi Empowerment Group in partnership with the US Embassy.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an award-winning training and coaching platform specifically designed for women micro-business owners. It provides enterprising women with the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to launch and scale successful businesses.
This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of continuous learning and growth. Congratulations to Wangeci Mūrage on this incredible opportunity!
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Keep reaching for the skies, Wangeci!
Nextv Series East Africa
Our Business Development Manager, Lucy Muthui, attended the first edition of the Nextv Series East Africa on 25th June at Panari Hotel. The event by Dataxis brought together high level media executives, industry stakeholders and thought leaders for engaging fireside conversions and panel discussion
The conversations focussed on how TV and OTT can thrive in the digital age.
The panel discussions included:
- TV Distribution in SSA: How to reach new audiences on digital.
- Monetization of local content on digital platforms.
- Navigating the digital ecosystem: The apps revolution.
- Content production for social media platforms.
- Competing with the giants: Strategies for monetising local content and reaching the diaspora.
Mark your calendars for the next event: Nextv Series Southern Africa in Johannesburg on October 15th
July at a Glance
Maine International Film Festival
The Maine International Film Festival (MIFF), is a 10-day film festival held annually in Waterville, Maine. Our CEO, Wangeci Murage will be attending the event. The festival will be held from 12th to 21st July at Railroad Square Cinema and the Waterville Opera House.
Wamaitha Premiere
Wamaitha: A Tale of Love and Struggle Journey back to the colonial era with "Wamaitha," an inspiring film that captures the essence of love and resilience during the Mau Mau rebellion. Damaris Njambi and Morris Mwangi star in this gripping narrative, highlighting the vital role of women in Kenya's fight for independence.
2nd MashaRket Kigali International Content Market
Media Pros Africa and the 10th Mashariki African Film Festival established a strategic partnership to build momentum for the second edition of MashaRket Kigali International Content Market. Following the successful first edition of the content market which attracted hundreds of global delegates, we aim to position the market as a key convergence of the Francophone and Anglophone media industry. The event is scheduled to be held within the 10th Mashariki African Film Festival on 2nd to 8th November
Industry Highlights
MEDICINE MAN has been nominated for three awards at The African Film Festival (TAFF) in Dallas, Texas. This film tells the story of Dr. Ben Muriithi, a modern medical doctor who merges herbal remedies with modern medicine to save his community from superstition and disease.
Ecosystem Mapping of Storytellers Landscape in Kenya Workshop by Creative Economy Practice
Wangeci Murage joined other industry stakeholders to discuss the dynamics and intricacies of the storyteller ecosystems in Nigeria and Kenya. The action points from this conversation will help in shaping future initiatives and addressing gender disparities and inter-sector relationships. The Creative Economy Practice also have Stawi Creative Spaces for creative training, workshops and events at iHub and CcHub.
Film Funding
Red Sea Fund: A dynamic force in Arab and African film financing, supporting over 250 films since 2021. The fund also celebrates women in cinema by funding graduation films from the first women’s university in Saudi Arabia.
Climate Change and Labour Film Grant: Up to $20k available for experienced filmmakers from the Global South to explore how climate change affects lives and work.
Biennale College Cinema: Now in its 13th edition, this program offers grants for micro-budget feature-length films, to be presented at the Venice International Film Festival. Open until 4th July 2024
Training & Opportunities
Tanzania Dive Lab: Announcing their 3rd Tanzanian Dive Lab this August 2024! Marine scientists, storytellers, and filmmakers in Tanzania are encouraged to apply by 30th June 2024.
Moving Identities Film Tour: Join this creative film workshop to learn how to make uniquely tailored films from scratch.
African Climate Stories: This training focuses on AI-based infographic design for environmental education
Wild Sizzle 2024: Submit your clips showcasing your work as an African filmmaker to be featured in the Wild Sizzle 2024 compilation.