The FILM IN A BOX Project...

I recently had the opportunity to interview Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the founder of Africa Movie Academy Award. I was thrilled to hear her talk about her passion for the movie industry in Africa. Especially, when she mentioned "The Film in a Box" Project, aimed at empowering the younger generation with new knowledge and professional training to help them excel in the movie industry.

Here is a short excerpt from the interview:

Aside the award, what other role do you play in boosting the movie industry in Africa?
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe: Various projects that I work on are linked to support our endeavors for the youth. Each is linked either directly or indirectly towards empowerment of youth and industry building and women. The FILM IN A BOX Project is one that I am very passionate about - advocating for women in making their voices heard.

Tell us a bit more about yourself (your background, career path, aspirations etc.)
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe: I graduated with a Degree in Law and Political Science from Oxford Brookes University. I am also a presenter of talk shows, writer and producer. One of my trademark projects is the training of young filmmakers called Film in the Box, which is run by the Africa Film Academy. Some of my film productions include such notable titles as Blind Date, Fear of the Unknown, Sons of Thunder, Messenger of Doom, Preacher Daughter, and Laviva. My television programmes include Ada, Gra Women, and Young Stars.

In addition I was also the National Vice- President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) and Director of finance for the Filmmakers’ Co-Operative of Nigeria. My contribution to the Africa Film industry is reflected in a documentary “Peace Mission” directed by Dorothee Wenner, and premiered at the prestigious Toronto film festival in 2009.

I served on numerous juries like the Berlin film festival, short film jury and Cine Del Sur. This is coupled with being a speaker at several panels on African cinema, from Fespaco - to the Rio film festival. I am also a Ted Fellow and was selected for the Pan African film festival/africa channel Visionary award for contribution in promoting African culture through the internationally recognized (AMAA) in 2010, and coupled with another internationally acclaimed award- the African Visionary Award by UNESCO in Cannes.

Wow! You have achieved and are achieving a lot! What is your advice to young upcoming movie producers, directors, actors/actresses and other stakeholders in the movie industry to ensure growth in the industry?
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe: Exceed your best and continually reinvent yourself by empowering your talent with new skills. Educate and share knowledge and embrace change for it is the only constant thing that is guaranteed. You have to do new things to get new results.


READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ON CP-AFRICA.COM! CLICK HERE