The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2024 celebrates the richness and diversity of African cinema, providing a premier platform for storytelling and creative exchange. As a hub for established and emerging filmmakers, AFRIFF fosters collaboration, growth, and global connectivity.
Among the talented individuals attending this year’s festival are seven remarkable women whose innovative spirits, creativity, and dedication are shaping the African and global film industry. Meet Ego Boyo, Wafa’a Céline Halawi, Yolanda Keabetswe Mogatusi, Lene Børglum, Caprice Crawford, Cynthia Okoye, and Filson Ali.
Their passion, expertise, and commitment have earned them recognition and acclaim, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and industry professionals.
#1. EGO BOYO
Ego Boyo‘s iconic performance as Ann Haatrope in Checkmate captivated Nigerian audiences, making her a household name over three decades ago. However, her impact on the film industry came when she transitioned from acting to production, establishing Temple Productions in 1996. This move allowed her to explore new creative avenues and bring fresh perspectives to Nigerian cinema.
Also, as a passionate advocate for education, Boyo has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s educational sector. She established Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School in Ikoyi, providing a holistic learning environment for young minds. She is also a leading voice in promoting Nigerian history in school curriculums, ensuring future generations understand their heritage.
Through Temple Productions, Boyo has produced remarkable films like Violated, The Ghost and the House of Truth, and A Hotel Called Memory. The latter earned recognition at the BlackStar Film Festival, showcasing her innovative approach to storytelling. Boyo’s work resonates with audiences, establishing her as a leading figure in Nigerian cinema.
#2. WAFA’A CÉLINE HALAWI
Wafa’a Céline Halawi’s filmmaking journey began with a passion for performance, influenced by her multicultural background. Born in Dubai to Lebanese parents, Halawi’s unique blend of cultures shapes her storytelling. As a director, writer, and educator, she explores diverse genres, from drama to dance films.
Her notable works showcase her creative range, from We Might As Well and Salt in My Nose to Lilacs and Morine, The Transvestite Saint. Halawi’s feature film script, Cello, won first prize at the ENGAGE workshop, solidifying her reputation as a talented screenwriter. Through film and teaching, she empowers women and explores social issues. As an educator at the Lebanese American University, Halawi inspires the next generation of filmmakers.
#3. YOLANDA KEABETSWE MOGATUSI
Yolanda Keabetswe Mogatusi‘s passion for storytelling drives her 12-year film and television career. Her debut short film, Hair That Moves, tackles self-acceptance and gained the attention of many. This success paved the way for her production company, 1000 Hugs Films, which produces TV shows and films showcasing strong female leads.
Mogatusi’s innovative storytelling extends to documentary and animation. Her documentary feature, Rumba in the Jungle—The Return, premiered at the 22nd Encounters Festival. Her animated series, Rapulani and Lula’s Gift from the Ocean won the Road to Annecy Pitching competition in 2022.
As a mentor, Mogatusi guides young filmmakers at the Nature, Environment and Wildlife Film Congress (NEWF), advocating for female empowerment and sustainable fashion. Her commitment to uplifting others has earned her industry recognition and respect
#4. CAPRICE CRAWFORD
Caprice Crawford’s journey in the entertainment industry began in Kansas City, Missouri. Her breakout role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine sparked recognition, followed by appearances in popular TV shows like Nash Bridges, Boy Meets World, and Malcolm & Eddie. These early successes showcased her talent and versatility as an actress.
As Crawford’s career evolved, she explored opportunities in film. She featured in the German documentary German Hollywood Dreams and the comedy Elizabethtown alongside Kirsten Dunst. Additionally, Crawford worked as a still photographer behind the camera on action films like Fatal Rescue and The Boxer. This diversity in her portfolio showcased her creativity and adaptability.
#5. LENE BØRGLUM
Lene Børglum was pivotal in shaping Zentropa into a major European independent production company. From its inception until 2007, she secured international financing for numerous films, including Lars von Trier’s critically acclaimed works, such as The Kingdom, Breaking the Waves, and Dancer in the Dark. Her expertise helped bring these innovative projects to life.
As executive producer, Børglum worked closely with von Trier on films like Dogville, Manderlay, and The Boss of It All. After leaving Zentropa, she collaborated with Swedish director Lukas Moodysson on Mammoth and Nicolas Winding Refn on Valhalla Rising. This successful partnership led to the formation of Space Rocket Nation, a production company dedicated to creating artistic, edgy films.
Through Space Rocket Nation, Børglum produced Refn’s films Only God Forgives, starring Ryan Gosling and The Neon Demon. She also supported Liv Corfixen’s documentary My Life, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
#6. FILSON ALI
Filson Ali’s rise to stardom began with Play & Rewind, a hit youth series tackling real-life issues. This show’s success showcased Ali’s talent for storytelling and her creative strategy of involving young people in production.
Building on this momentum, Ali co-founded Camera X in 2017, a production company dedicated to creating compelling films and series. Her diverse portfolio includes short films, documentaries, and web series, demonstrating her versatility as a producer.
Ali’s dedication to her craft has earned her international recognition. In 2021 and 2023, she was selected for the Young Nordic Producer Club at Cannes, marking her as a talented emerging producer in Scandinavian cinema.
#7. CYNTHIA OKOYE
Cynthia Okoye, a respected agent at Curtis Brown (one of the world’s leading literary agencies), is dedicated to discovering and nurturing exceptional filmmaking talent. Since joining the agency in 2008, she has built an impressive roster of writers and directors, showcasing her keen eye for unique storytelling.
Okoye’s passion is empowering emerging and established filmmakers to thrive in the UK film and television industry. Her clients, including Mickey Down (HBO’s Industry), Shola Amoo (The Last Tree), and Francesca Grrini (Killing EveE), show her interest in diverse, innovative storytelling.
With a background in law, Okoye brings a sharp business acumen to her work. She began her career alongside agent Amanda Davis, working with notable clients like Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) and Iain Morris & Damon Beesley (The Inbetweeners). In 2013, she began to build her list, focusing on talented individuals with bold, imaginative visions.
Today, Okoye successfully represents a range of talented writers and directors across film, television, and theatre, fostering creative partnerships that drive innovative storytelling.
