Berlinale Calls For Freedom Of Movement To Maryam Moghaddam, Behtash Sanaeeha
Earlier this month, the organisers of Berlin International Film Festival, otherwise called, Berlinale announced selection of Iranian film, My Favourite Cake, by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, in Competition at this year’s 74th edition of the festival.  Since then, the festival has learned that Iranian writers/directors Moghaddam and Sanaeeha have been banned from travelling, and have also had their passports confiscated, and face a court trial in relation to their work as artists and filmmakers. However as a festival fundamentally committed to freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of the arts, for all people around the world, the festival said it is shocked and dismayed to learn that Moghaddam and Sanaeeha could be prevented from traveling to the festival to present their film and meet their audience in Berlin. The Berlinale Directors Carlo Chatrian und Mariëtte Rissenbeek stated: “We call for the Iranian authorities to return the passports and to end all restrictions preventing Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha from freely travelling to Berlin this February, together with the other international directors and filmmaking talents from around the world, so they can present their new film My Favourite Cake as part of the Berlinale’s 2024 Competition.” Moghaddam and Sanaeeha’s previous film, Ballad of a White Cow, was presented in Competition at the 2021 Berlinale, emerging as audience favourite in public voting that year. Their new film, My Favourite Cake, has now been selected in Competition in 2024. Also, My Favourite Cake was supported by the Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund, and prior to this was developed as a project through the Berlinale when it participated in the 2020 Berlinale Co-Production Market, where it was recognised with the prestigious Eurimages Co-Production Development Award. “Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha share a long and rich history with the Berlinale, and must be allowed to return to Berlin this February,” Chatrian and Rissenbeek surmised.

Mariam Waitutu Appointed Dean Of Young Professionals Academy 2024
MIRIAM Waitutu, Account Director, Dentsu Creative, Kenya has been appointed as the Dean of the Young Professionals Academy 2024. Miriam is a seasoned marketing professional recognised for her innovative contributions and ability to transform creative ideas into award-winning campaigns. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working alongside some of the greatest creative minds in the industry and has consistently delivered exceptional results and garnered numerous accolades both locally and regionally for her creative work. Commenting on her appointment, Miriam said, “I look forward to my role as the Dean of the 2024 Young Professionals Academy as a rare opportunity to challenge and motivate upcoming leaders in our industry across Africa to seize the moment, take advantage of all the benefits that the academy is set to deliver and press on towards the mark excellence.” The Young Professionals Academy is a learning program for young professionals working in areas such as advertising, brand management, digital communications, copywriting, art direction, and marketing communications in general. The academy is open to professionals of 30 years or younger. The academy annually hosts the national Young Lions Competitions and the Young Pitcher Competitions. Chairman of the Pitcher Festival of Creativity, Dr. Nnamdi Ndu said, “the young professionals are the foot soldiers of today and the C-suites of tomorrow. Indeed, they are the life of the business. I trust that with Miriam’s leadership, the participants will have a highly rewarding and memorable experience.” Miriam’s expertise extends beyond creativity to include exceptional client service management skills and an outstanding background in integrated media. She has successfully woven innovative concepts into comprehensive media campaigns, ensuring a seamless fusion of creativity and targeted audience engagement.

Durban FilmMart Institute Calls For JUMSTART Submissions
PROJECT submissions for the 13th edition of Jumpstart, presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute in partnership with Produire au Sud, Nantes, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) are now open. Jumpstart is an incubator programme designed to introduce emerging filmmakers to writing and packaging. Focusing on project packaging for the international market, filmmakers are introduced to key techniques and tools for scriptwriting and storytelling processes. The programme will include the main workshop from July 19 to 22, 2024, during the 15th yearly Durban FilmMart, with online follow-up sessions in November 2024 and February 2025. “The partnership with Produire au Sud is one of DFMI’s most long- standing partnerships and one that is ever evolving to suit the needs of filmmakers, says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “The programme creates a space for African writers and directors to gain exposure to French producers and industry.”  For Lucas Taillefer, Coordinator of Produire au Sud “the collaboration between Durban FilmMart and Produire au Sud is 12 years old and we are very happy to have been able to accompany so many emergent Africans directors and producers with their projects in development during all those years.”. This collaboration is made possible thanks to the help of the Institut Français in South Africa.” Applications can be made through the Durban FilmMart Institute website: https://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/jumpstart-application/. Deadline for applications: February 28, 2024