Day Three -Saturday, May 17th, 2025
9.00 - 10.20 AM
IN CONVERSATION WITH ERNEST WHITE II
For 10 to 15 minutes, Ernest White interviews AfroCannes’ key guests, where they'll explore their careers, experiences, and future opportunities. The interviews are recorded.​​
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Ernest White II is a producer, journalist, and keynote speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Presidio Pictures, executive producer and host of award-winning television travel docu-series “FLY BROTHER with Ernest White II” (PBS), and executive producer and lead writer of award-winning true crime/history podcast, “Deadman's Curse: Slumach's Gold” (Corus/CuriousCast).
9.05 - 9.20 AM | Konnie Touré
V and Radio Host, Côte d'Ivoire
9.25 - 9.40 AM | Tonye Princewill, Producer + Adonijah Owiriwa, Producer
Nigeria
9.45 - 10.00 AM | Zoey Martinson
Director, Producer, Ghana
Orango by Samuel Kay Forrest
12.00 AM
Bora by Tiffany Toney
3.00 PM
N/A
Ars Nova X Kenya
5.00 PM
SCREENWRITING WITH AARON RAHSAAN THOMAS
10.30 AM - 11.10 PM Conversation 2
Aaron Rahsaan Thomas isn't just a name in television; it's a brand synonymous with authenticity, gripping storytelling, and characters that resonate long after the credits roll. From his work on shows like "Friday Night Lights", “Sleepy Hollow” to his co-creation of the critically acclaimed "S.W.A.T.," Thomas has consistently demonstrated a knack for crafting compelling TV series that captivate audiences and spark conversations. So, what are the secrets to his success? This conversation will delve into the key elements that contribute to Aaron Rahsaan Thomas's signature style of television creation.
Speaker:
Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Creator of Content for BET Studios, Co-Creator of S.W.A.T. on CBS, USA
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Moderator: Stewart Clarke, Senior Vice President, Content, International, Deadline, UK | TBC
11.10 - 11.15 AM Break
SPORTS & FILMMAKING
11.15 AM - 12.00 PM Panel Discussion 15
The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat, and the Art of Capturing It All: Where Sports and Filmmaking Collide
Sports and filmmaking enjoy a symbiotic relationship that goes beyond just documenting games. Filmmakers have tapped into the raw emotion, compelling narratives, and visual spectacle of sports to create stories that resonate far beyond the field. From nail-biting documentaries to inspiring biopics, the intersection of sports and filmmaking offers a dynamic canvas for exploring themes of perseverance, teamwork, passion, and the human spirit.
Speakers:
John Barker, Director “The Umbrella Men”, “Bafana Bafana”, Founder, Barking Rat Films, South Africa
Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Executive Producer, Screenwriter, Co-Creator of S.W. A.T., USA
Joel Chikapa-Phiri, Group Chairman/Executive Producer, Known Associates Group/Bafana the Boys, South Africa
Danica Robinson-Liles, Producer, COO, West-End Studios, Jamaica
Moderator: Tithey Schulz, Marketing & Branding Expert, Founder, VitaminBlack, Germany + Haiti
DISTRUPTIVE FILMMAKING
12.00 - 1.00 PM Panel Discussion 16
The Reimaginers: Who's Disrupting Filmmaking in the 2020s and How?
The 2020s have been a period of seismic shifts across industries, and filmmaking is no exception. Beyond the box office battles and streaming wars, the new definition of independent filmmaking, a quiet revolution is underway, driven by individuals and technologies that are actively redefining how movies are conceived, created, distributed, and consumed. These are the disruptors of the decade, and they're not just tweaking the formula – they're rewriting it entirely. So, who are these "reimaginers" and what forces are shaping their disruptive power?
Speakers:​
Luiza Botelho, Director, Producer, Scriptwriter, Brazil
Tonye Princewill, Producer, “76”, “77. The Festac Conspiracy” Nigeria
Simon Moutaïrou, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, The Black Box (2021), The Assault (2010), The Crew (2015),
Director Ni chaînes ni maîtres (2024), France + Benin
Alex Kahuam, Award Winning Film Director, Writer, Producer, USA + Mexico
Kaffy Shafau, Music Video Director, Nigeria
Karima El Mahmoud, Filmmaker, Entrepreneur Germany + Morocco
Moderator: Caprice Crawford, Founder, Crawford Talents, USA + Germany
1.00 - 1.10 PM PM Break
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FILM FINANCING, DATA & AI
1.05 - 1.55 PM Panel Discussion 17
The Not so Hidden Economics of Today’s Cinema and Data-Driven Film Financing for Informed Investment... and Micro-Budget Production Powered by AI
Data-driven approach seems to be leveling the playing field for independent filmmakers seeking funding. By providing solid data to back their vision, they can attract investors who might otherwise be hesitant to take a chance on an unknown entity. While data informs investment decisions, AI is revolutionizing the production process, particularly for micro-budget films. With limited resources, independent filmmakers can leverage AI tools to streamline workflows and maximize their impact. So how does it translate in emerging film markets?
Speakers:
Phil McKenzie, Co-Founder and COO Goldfinch, Founder, MYCO UK
Steven Adams, Co-Founder, Alta Global Media, USA
Kelly Woolfolk, Entertainment Lawyer, USA
Susanne Bohnet, CEO, Serafini Releasing, USA
Viviane Ferreira, President of the Audiovisual Institute Mulheres de Odun, Brazil
Moderator: Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, Technologist & Executive Producer, USA
1.55 - 2.05 PM Break
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BRAZIL IN FOCUS
2.05 - 3.00 PM Panel Discussion 18
A Thematic Exploration of the new faces of Brazilian Cinema
Brazil has a long and established film industry, a new wave of filmmakers, particularly Afro-Brazilians, are stepping into the spotlight and reshaping narratives. Several filmmakers have paved the way for this burgeoning movement including Zózimo Bulbul, a trailblazer who directed socially conscious films like "Abolição" (1988) who served as an inspiration for many Afro-Brazilian filmmakers to come. Contemporary filmmakers are carrying the torch. Adélia Sampaio, known for films like "O Caso de Cristina" (1996), has focused on the experiences of Black women in Brazilas well as Joel Zito Araújo's documentaries like "Negação do Brasil" (2000).
Speakers:
Lyara Oliveira, President & CEO, The City of São Paulo Film and Audiovisual Company, Brazil
Luiza Botelho, Director, Producer, Scriptwriter, Brazil
Luis Lomenha, Director, Screenwriter, Producer, Brazil
Emerson Dindo, Filmmaker, Brazil
Moderator: Ernest White II, Producer, Presenter, Founder Presidio Pictures Canada + USA
3.00 - 3.05 PM Break
CARIBBEAN CINEMA
3.05 - 3.40 PM Panel Discussion 19
The Quest for a Caribbean Identity in Film
The quest for a new Caribbean film identity begins with authentic storytelling. Filmmakers are increasingly focusing on narratives that resonate with the lived experiences of Caribbean people. Enter projects like "Sprinter" (Jamaica), which explores the world of competitive sprinting through the eyes of a young man from a working-class community, “Zion” by Nelson Foix (Guadeloupe) or "Brown Girl Begins" (Canada/Trinidad & Tobago), a sci-fi film rooted in Caribbean mythology and folklore.
Speakers:​
Mélissandre Monatus, Video Gaming Expert, Documentary Filmmaker, Director “Lapo Chapé”, France + Martinique
Iris Peynado, Actress, Producer, Member of the European Film Academy, Italy + Dominican Republic
Moderator: Tithey Shulz, Marketing & Branding Expert, Founder, VitaminBlack, Germany + Haiti
3.40 - 3.45 PM - Break
AGENCY
3.45 - 4.35 PM Panel Discussion 20
Taking Control: Agency in Filmmaking and Why It Matters
Understanding agency within the filmmaking process or the ability of individuals to act and influence the outcome – is
crucial for creating compelling and authentic films.
Speakers:
Tajona Karhu, Director, Producer, UK + Cuba
Zoey Martinson, Director, Ghana
Derrien Gipson, Executive Director, SAGindie, USA
​Maria Gal, TV Host, Actress, Brazil
Moderator: Yusuf Abdul Qadir, Technologist & Executive Producer, USA
4.30 - 4.35 PM - Break
CO-PRODUCTION
4.35 - 5.05 PM Panel Discussion 21
Co-Production Starter Pack: A Guide for Emerging Filmmakers
So, you have a killer script, a burning passion, and a story that deserves to be told. But the budget feels more like a flicker than a flame? Co-production might be the answer. This isn't just for seasoned veterans anymore. Emerging filmmakers can leverage co-production to scale up their ambitions and bring their visions to life. Think of it as a collaborative journey, a strategic partnership that opens doors to resources, talent, and distribution channels you might not otherwise access. But where do you start? Co-production can feel daunting. This starter pack will give you the essentials to navigate the world of international collaboration and bring your project to fruition.
Speakers:
Serge Noukoué, Founder, Nollywood Week, Owner, Okada Media (Distribution), France + Benin
Dan Thorens, Producer, Director, Canada + Switzerland
Erik Gordon, VP Corporate Relations & Partner, FilmHedge, USA
Lamman Rucker, Actor, Producer, USA
Moderator: Tithey Shulz, Marketing & Branding Expert, Founder, VitaminBlack, Germany + Haiti
5.10 - 6.00 PM Arts Nova Kenya Cocktail Reception at the Villa des Ministres (by registration)