Testimonials

— Thank you!

I am surprised and gratified by the award and I have dedicated it of course to the ‘Bariga Boy’ himself Segun Adefila and the wonderful creative energy that is propelling him and his troupe. They are far too impressive to go uncelebrated and this award will give their work the right kind of exposure and the possibility of a wider audience in the future.

I really want to thank you, the jury and the National Black Programming Consortium for this incredible moment. I am greatly delighted tonight!!

Kind regards,”
— Femi Odugbemi

Je tenais à vous remercier encore de m’avoir invité à vivre cette expérience. Même si ce séjour fut trop court je suis vraiment content de ce que j’ai pu y faire et des personnes que j’y ai rencontrées. C’était un véritable plaisir de passer ces 4 jours à Accra.

Je ne connais pas la réalité des systèmes de production au Ghana, ni les réseaux de financements qui existent, ni leurs attentes mais je suis sûr d’une chose : l’école de cinema NAFTI devrait être une mine d’or pour les diffuseurs. C’est certain que la mission est difficile. Mais des auteurs existent à Accra, il ne peut pas en être autrement et c’est une magnifique aventure à mener au vu des contraintes mais aussi des moyens que leur propose le marché anglophone Africain.

Tout cela ajouté à NYU et au Real Life Documentary Festival…
A bientôt.”
— Julien Samani

I am blown away by the intensity,richness and confidence of the Real Life Festival as it is taking shape now.

It caught me by surprise — I had no idea it was happening right NOW! And with so much sophistication and assured polish.

You are caught up in the eruptions of events and concerned only as the events unfold successfully. But I can tell you that the program resonates with a powerful, international force. There can never be any doubt that an essential contribution to African culture has been launched.”
— Clyde Taylor

I just wanted to confirm that I expressed myself clearly yesterday evening when I said that you should be very personally complimented that the Festival is running well, all your hard work over the past years and your preparation for this year has secured a strong foundation. I liken that to the joy I have when I am done with a film, and it can go out into the world on its own breathe (without my arms and legs) and exist. I feel then to have truly created something.

I am writing as I wanted my heartfelt respect and appreciation for what you have established to be expressed.

I have so enjoyed the presentation of AFRICA UNITE. Here, the young people seemed to really respond to the film as an inspirational call to action, which was its intent. Thank you,”
— Stephanie Black