Abudu joins DFMI advisory committee

African media heavyweights Mo Abudu, Judy Kibinge and Tendeka Matatu have joined the advisory board of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI).

Nigerian Abudu is the founder of EbonyLife Media; Kibinge is a Kenyan filmmaker, writer and producer; and Matatu is a South African producer and director.

The DFMI is a non-profit company that facilitates local and international trade and investment in African film content. The advisory committee will bring a wealth of industry experience and an international perspective to promote African cinema, according to the company.

Jacintha de Nobrega, chairman of DFMI’s board of directors, said: “We are privileged to have been afforded access to a diverse group of industry role players who are committed to taking African content to the global market, thereby ensuring that DFMI remains a key entry point that connects our industry to the world.

“We purposefully selected esteemed and influential industry leaders who will support the DFMI in increasing its footprint in the global market. This is aligned with our overarching strategy and our mission to consolidate the DFMI as the leading film market in Africa and the access point for African content.”

Abudu took to Instagram to say: “I am pleased to announce I have been invited to join the advisory board of the Durban FilmMart Institute, as a board representative from Nigeria amongst a distinguished panel of others from the UK, USA, Egypt, Canada, France and Kenya.”

Other committee members include award-winning US producer Steven Adams; Todd Brown, head of acquisitions for XYZ Films in Canada; award-winning Egyptian film director Jihan El-Tahri; Cécile Gérardin, head of drama at France-based Canal+ International; award-winning US director Roger Ross Williams; and Dana Sims, talent agent at Hollywood agency CAA.

tagged in: Durban FilmMart Institute, Judy Kibinge, Mo Abudu, Tendeka Matatu