GTBank supports African Metropolis

Guaranty Trust Bank is partnering the Goethe-Institut of South Africa and Steven Markovitz to support African Metropolis, an initiative of the Goethe-Institut and executive producer Steven Markovitz, with further support from the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam. African Metropolis is a project aimed at exploring and promoting African short films and filmmakers from different capitals of the continent across key platforms.

The short films will be shot in Lagos, Abidjan, Kinshasa, Dakar, Johannesburg, Cairo, and Nairobi. The work of these young film artists will show the face of a modern and cosmopolitan Africa and challenge long-standing clichés about the continent. All seven shorts are set for delivery in May 2013.

The filmmakers are: Jim Chuchu of Kenya, Egyptian director – Ahmed Ghoneimy, Folasakin Iwajomo of Nigeria, Marie Ka, who is Senegalese/Martiniquan, Philippe Lacote of the Ivory Coast, Yohan Lengole of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South African director – Vincent Moloi.

Segun Agbaje, CEO, GTBank, said: “We are delighted to take part in supporting the work of African film artists who will share with the world their take on urban Africa, and wish that our support will encourage continued good work from these storytellers as well as others yet to come of age.”

Lien Heidenreich-Seleme at the Goethe-Institut, South Africa, said: “The Goethe-Institut is proud to be the main partner on this project. We regard the development of an independent and sustainable film industry on the African continent as a high priority and we count GTBank an important partner in that pursuit.”

Steven Markovitz commented: “Our filmmakers have never lived through a shortage of good ideas. Thanks to our partners; we are now at that point where financial support and guidance will bring ideas to light in the best possible way.”

Iwana Chronis, manager of the Hubert Bals Fund, commented: “We are proud to take part in this exciting initiative and look forward to seeing the completed short films. For the Hubert Bals Fund, participating in African Metropolis has been a great way to stimulate emerging African film talent in their professional development. We are delighted to welcome the Nigerian GTBank as a new partner.”