TAFF founder, Kelechi Eke, disclosed that Isong-Misodi, CEO of Royal Arts Academy, will be honoured in recognition of her contributions towards the development of the African film sector while Mofokeng, the star of movies including Cry the Beloved Country, Lord of War; Mandela and de Klerk and Tsotsi will also be recognised for his unique talent.
On plans for the festival, Eke said that popular actor, Richard Mofe Damijo would facilitate the acting master class while Lancelot Imasuen would take the class in directing. The master classes will hold at Southern Methodist University, one of the most prestigious universities in Texas and a staunch supporter of TAFF.
Festival’s opening night will feature storytelling sessions by Eclectic Vanessa Danso from Ghana; Ben Amushie from Nigeria, Dallas Poetry Slam, Juliana Musical Drama from Tanzania, and Ruth Ndulu Maingi from Kenya.
The Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA), whose members are holding a convention in Dallas ahead of the festival’s opening night, is partnering TAFF to showcase the relationship between medicine and film.
Some of the guests expected at this year’s TAFF include Uche Jombo, Stella Damasus, Charles Billion, Jim Iyke, Kenneth Okolie, Mykel Parish Ajaere, Robert Peters, Dolapo Ajayi, and other US-based Nigerian filmmakers. All producers whose works are among the 40 selected films, including Esi Yamoah (Ghana), Molatelo Mainetje (South Africa), Andy Boyo (Nigeria) and Pascale Serra (Central Africa Republic) will also be attending the festival.
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