Six dynamic tales of modern Africa by women
There is still prejudice and ignorance about African women. The stereotypes are seen the world over: the strong salt-of-the-earth mother, the manipulator, all too often the victim. But the truth is more subtle, more complex, more exciting. Under the surface of traditional forms, under the skin as it were, African women experience emotions, laugh and cry, love and hate, plan and plot, pursue and achieve excellence. But this is seldom shown, apart from in films directed by African women. By making these six films, we want to broaden the way in which Africans are perceived. We also want to entertain a unique collection of perspectives on African life. That series is Mama Africa.
After an exhaustive year-long selection process, Mama Africa has begun filming. A Zimmedia and M-Net co-production, this groundbreaking short film initiative brings together the incredible fresh talents of six female directors spanning the vast and diverse continent of Africa. The six selected directors are from Burkina Faso, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.
The 6 x 26 min final short films intend to challenge the stereotypical perception of women and the people surrounding them in Africa. Crossing language and regional barriers, each story will present an entirely different perspective and continental reality. Yet a common thread portraying the comic, tragic, and passionate side of modern life in Africa unites the whole.
