Temidayo Ibitoye, Nigerian filmmaker, communications expert, and director of the acclaimed Borderlands documentary series, was recently invited as a panel speaker across several European cities to discuss Africa’s borderland communities and the powerful stories captured in the film.
The European roadshow, which included film screenings and panel discussions in Berlin, Copenhagen, The Hague, and Brussels, was part of a broader effort by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Africa Borderlands Centre to raise global awareness about the challenges and innovations emerging from Africa’s border regions. These areas, home to more than 270 million people, are often overlooked in mainstream media and development conversations.
In each city, Ibitoye participated in vibrant post-screening dialogues alongside experts, policymakers, and representatives from civil society. The panels explored themes such as resilience, community-led development, innovation, and peacebuilding in Africa’s cross-border communities.
“Being part of these conversations across Europe has been a humbling and deeply meaningful experience,” said Ibitoye. “The Borderlands documentary was born from a desire to amplify the voices of those whose lives unfold on the geopolitical edges of nations. To bring those voices to a global stage—and to see them spark such thoughtful discussion—is powerful.”
At the Berlin screening, co-hosted by UNDP Germany, the film was shown to a full house followed by an engaging conversation about cross-border trade, youth resilience, and data-driven development in Africa’s border zones. In Copenhagen, attendees reflected on the intersection of storytelling and policy change, while the Brussels event at Cinematek sparked dialogue on inclusion, migration, and local leadership in remote regions.
The film showcases stories from the borderlands of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin—highlighting themes such as gender equality, disability inclusion, cross-border trade, climate resilience, and community innovation. From the vibrant markets of Nakonde to the deserts of Maigatari, the documentary illuminates the everyday heroism of people confronting complex realities.
One story that deeply resonated with audiences was that of Domtila Chesang, a women’s rights advocate working to end female genital mutilation in Kenya’s West Pokot border region. Her story, among others, drove home the urgency of supporting grassroots changemakers.
Ibitoye emphasized that the documentary is not just a film, but part of a growing movement to position Africa’s borderlands as key to sustainable development.
“These are not just remote or marginal spaces—they are hubs of innovation, culture, and resilience. They are where Africa connects, and where solutions must be designed with and for the people.”
The Borderlands series is produced by the UNDP Africa Borderlands Centre, where Ibitoye also serves as a communications specialist. As part of this international screening tour, the film continues to gain traction as a vital tool for advocacy and storytelling, bridging gaps between policy, community, and the global audience.
