THE BORN OF THE AFRICA FILM LAB/FILMMAKING MENTORSHIP

DIFF22 pays a special homage to Cuban filmmaker Rigoberto López, who has directed many documentaries, shorts, and feature films. His numerous works have been very successful both to the public and critics, in Cuba and abroad, and have garnered significant national and international prizes. In honor of his work and legacy, DIFF created Africa Film Lab/Filmmaking Mentorship (A.F.L.F.M.) for the annual DjarFogo International Film Festival. It is a mastery training program for youth and industry professionals directed and instructed by African and international industry specialists, professors, and film mentors.

The Africa Film Lab/Filmmaking Mentorship (A.F.L.F.M.) is part of the annual program of the DIFF, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2019. A.F.L.F.M. provide filmmaking mentorship, scholarship, and professional training for filmmakers, teachers, students, and enthusiasts alike to acquire greater mastery and skills in visual storytelling and all aspects of film production in Africa and the Diaspora. It is directed and instructed by African and international industry specialists, professors, and film mentors.

The program lasts two to eight weeks and covers all aspects of film production and visual storytelling, from development to distribution. It seeks to furnish African and Diaspora filmmakers with classic crafts and wisdom, allowing them to tell and share their stories more effectively.

The classes are both theoretical and practical, and by the end of 2023, up to 600 participants will have had the chance to comprehend and put their crafts into practice on actual film stages. DIFF member advisors will trust these candidates and their films, and they will be screening at the 3rd edition of DIFF and foremost international film festivals worldwide.

AFRICA FILM LAB/FILMMAKING MENTORSHIP VISION

Educating, entertaining, and inspiring disadvantaged youth to join in African Cinema, visual arts, and world cinema, thus reducing poverty, appreciating African culture, and promoting visual storytelling.

To teach free visual arts and filmmaking education programs for all ages, how to access foreign funding, achieve co-production, and use scarce local resources.

To give a voice to minority filmmakers to screen and promote their films worldwide—train and certificate low-income students from Africa and Diaspora.

To film local history, culture, the elderly’s life experiences, stories, and oral traditions, substantially contributing to the self-esteem and appreciation of young people, older adults, and the community and contributing considerably to the youth’s self-esteem and validation.

To highlight the importance of visual storytelling and its power to develop African nations, including the C.P.L.P., UNESCO informs that the film industry is estimated at US$ 5 (five) billion dollars in revenue on the mother continent of humanity and employs more than five (5) million, people.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A.F.L.F.M.

Each session of A.F.L.F.M. will select 25 to 75 (M/F) African and Diaspora-inspiring young filmmakers to receive an exceptional professional training experience and an introduction to the global filmmaking community.

Over two to eight weeks, participants will watch and discuss classic movies. They will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from internationally acclaimed filmmakers and guest professors about all the aspects of film production, from development to distribution and how to submit a film to major film festivals worldwide.

A comprehensive hands-on education to learn the art of making professional movies and understanding the filmmaking process, including budgeting, image composition, audio, lighting, camera movements, editing, SFX, VFX, color correction, and programming.

Responsibilities of the director concerning pre-production, production, and post-production.

How to work with actors, and the directorial skills required for a successful artistic collaboration.

Preparing a film project for filming: script analysis, casting, camera blocking, shot list planning, subtext photography, film grammar, composition, the role of music, and visual and sound effects.

Access to the annual program of the DjarFogo International Film Festival.

Access to information about film markets and foreign financial resources.

A.F.L.F.M., through the members of the D.I.F.F., offers selected six months of continuous support, including individual monitoring and technical help to complete their film.

Receive an International Certificate from the D.I.F.F./A.F.L.F.M. and the project partners for all actions carried out during the course.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

Develop African cinema, in particularly, C.P.L.P. cinema.

Develop cinematographic cooperation with the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and other African countries.

Inspire disadvantaged young Africans to make films and tell their stories.

Provide opportunities for C.P.L.P. filmmakers to learn the craft of professional cinema.

Filming the history, culture, heritage, life experiences of seniors and oral traditions.

Learn the power of African and world cinema as a significant art form.

Create employment opportunities for young people and local professionals.

Promote academic exchange and contribute to the massification of cinema and visual storytelling.

Stimulate communication strategies, multiculturalism, and sustainable growth.

Create employment opportunities for young people and local professionals.

To certify low-income students and professionals from African nations, mainly from form colonies.

For more information, please visit www.djarfogofilm.org.