Ogunbanwo, Olaolu Join African Producers Accelerator in South Africa

Nigerian filmmakers Funmbi Ogunbanwo (“My Father’s Shadow”) and Josh Olaolu (“Grind,” “Tales of Ramadan”) have been selected for the 2025 African Producers Accelerator (APA) in-person lab, which began on  July 13, in South Africa.

They are joined by Neo Baloyi, Zoe Ramushu, and Annemarie du Plessis from South Africa, and Jorge Cohen from Angola, for the intensive program. 

All six participants will attend the Durban FilmMart from July 18–21, one of Africa’s leading industry events for film financing, networking, and market access.

The APA is a joint initiative by Big World Cinema and the Bertha Foundation, delivered in partnership with the Durban FilmMart and Central Film School. The program aims to support early-career African producers through curated training, international exposure, and long-term industry connections.

Its launch coincides with the Durban FilmMart, which has become a central hub for African film business since its inception in 2009. Now operated by the Durban FilmMart Institute, a non-profit formed in 2020, the platform promotes co-production, industry development, and distribution for African projects.

The Institute describes its mission as creating a competitive and celebrated global space for African film professionals and content—a vision aligned with the APA’s goals.