Yinka Olatunbosun
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, has launched the 2020 U.S. Consulate General Lagos Documentary Film Festival.
During the opening remarks for the film festival’s formalopening last Monday, Ambassador Leonard declared that the U.S. Consulate General Lagos Documentary Film Festival is an expression of the commitment of the U.S. Mission to strengthen the ties that link Nigeria and the United States of America.
“We recognize that we have many common interests and concerns. We are very proud of the U.S. Government’s engagements with Nigerians in areas as diverse as health, education, trade, economic development, security assistance, and the promotion of democratic institutions. You will see exciting and inspirational stories that span entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, education, community engagement and STEM.”
“We also engage with the creative community. We especially support that community’s efforts to use the power of film, music, dance, and literature to create dialogue and find solutions to societal challenges,” Ambassador Leonard remarked.
The virtual festival which runs from November 9 till 25 will highlight five contemporary documentaries from the American Film Showcase, the premier film diplomacy programme of the U.S. Department of State, which is produced in partnership with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.
These screenings, offering a contemporary view of American society and culture as seen by independent filmmakers, will be accompanied by panel discussions, workshops and master classes with the filmmakers and Nigerian panelists.
The opening film for the festival was The Empowerment Project, directed by Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ms. Sarah Moshman. The documentary spotlights 17 transformational women leaders across a variety of industries and seeks to inspire the next generation of women to pursue their career ambitions.
Following the screening of the documentary, Moshmanalongside other panelists, including Nigerian film director and producer, Ms. Tope Oshin, and Executive Director of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Ms. Hansatu Adegbite, shared their impressions about the film as well as their experiences and expertise.
Other films scheduled for screening during the film festival are: Nevertheless by Sarah Moshman; Libraries Now: A Day in the Life by Juliane Dressner ; An Education by Juliane Dressnerand Make It Work by Kip & Kern Konwiser.
