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Less Than A Month To PAFF 2025
The 33rd edition of Pan African Film and Arts Festival, otherwise called PAFF, is set to hold between February 4 and 17, 2025 in Los Angeles. PAFF has for over three decades presented and showcased a broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly, those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes of Africans and African-Americans. The festival is regarded as the largest and most prestigious Black Film Festival in America and attracts local, national and international audiences. This year’s edition will feature film screening, special premieres, panel discussions and an award ceremony. The organisers issues a solidarity message to all those affected by the raging wild fire, which began days back in Los Angeles. The text of the solidarity message reads: “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. During these challenging times, we are reminded of the resilience and unity that defines our community. At PAFF, we stand with those who have lost homes, businesses, or loved ones, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the brave first responders and volunteers who continue to work tirelessly. As we prepare for our upcoming festival, we are committed to being a source of connection, hope, and healing for our community.

Together, we will rebuild and rise stronger. Founded in 1992 by award-winning actor, Danny Glover (The Colour Purple and Lethal Weapon movie franchise owner), Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, Good Times) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specialises in Pan African Affairs. PAFF is dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art and creative expression. The theme for this year’s edition is ‘Dream Beyond’. For additional information on PAFF, please visit PAFF.org, or email [email protected].

Pitcher Award Announces Jury Presidents For 2025 Award
PITCHER Festival has announced Jury Presidents for the 2025 awards. Director General of the National Council for Arts And Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, heads the Entertainment jury while Mike Miller and Yash Deb head the Craft and Digital Jury respectively. Dawn Rowlands will superintend over the Good and Effectiveness jury while Nthabuiseng Lekoaletsoe will head the Culture jury. Obi Asika, the President of the Entertainment Jury, brings over 30 years experience as a key driver and leader of Nigeria’s creative industries. Recognised by millions across Africa as a Judge on the popular Nigerian Idol TV show, Obi’s impact has been vast, from building Storm 360/Storm Records into a successful entertainment brand to co-founding Social Media Week Lagos. He has been involved in significant cross-sector collaborations. Leading the Craft Jury is Mike Miller, Executive Creative Director of X3M Ideas, Lagos, Nigeria. Mike has been putting ideas in front of people for over 30 years, from big brand campaigns to hard-hitting retail promotions. He is strategic, creative, and has won many international awards. For the Digital Jury, Yash Deb, Co-Founder & Creative Partner of The Bar Africa, Kenya, steps up as President. With experience across 12 countries and 4 continents, Yash has earned a reputation for his creative leadership and has led award-winning campaigns for top brands. Dawn Rowlands, CEO of Dentsu Africa, will preside over the Good & Effectiveness Jury. Recognised as Business Woman of the Year, serial entrepreneur, and wine lover, Dawn is passionate about innovating to impact society. Nthabiseng is passionate about building brands and pushing boundaries. Following an outstanding performance as Culture Jury President in 2024, she will once again lead the jury in 2025.

All Set For Berlinale Co-Production Market
THIRTY-FIVE film projects from 27 countries have been selected for the 22nd Berlinale Co-Production Market (February 15-19). Their producers will meet potential co-producers and financiers at the event, which this year will take place primarily at the Octogon, a new event location at Leipziger Platz to realise the feature films as international co-productions in the coming years. Out of the 35 projects, women are directing 19. There were 351 submissions for the official project selection, which represents a significant increase of over ten percent compared to the previous year. As part of the official selection, 19 already financed feature film projects with budgets between 800,000 and five million euros will be presented by well-known international production companies. The directors of the selected projects, who have already received multiple awards, include Ayşe Polat, Tatiana Huezo, Carolina Markowicz, Wissam Charaf, Zarrar Kahn, Kirsten Tan, Radu Muntean, Kaan Müjdeci, Ainhoa Rodríguez, Andrea Staka, Miia Tervo and Maksym Nakonechnyi. Also featuring will be an exciting project from Cameroon, presented in co-operation with the Berlinale World Cinema Fund. It shows a self-confident woman who makes a living for her family in an unconventional way in the face of traditional rural structures and the threat of terrorists: I’m Coming For You, by Cyrielle Raingou.