The ongoing Africa International Human Rights Film Festival in Lagos has sparked urgent calls for increased women participation in filmmaking and storytelling.
Rising from the Day 2 sessions, panelists and participants emphasized the critical role women must play in shaping narratives that truly reflect their experiences.
At a panel discussion themed African Women in Filmmaking, industry stalwarts Damilola Aleje, a Nigerian producer; Vicky Patterson, a Canadian-Cameroonian filmmaker; and Toyin Ganiyu, a Lagos-based director and producer, dissected the struggles and triumphs of African women in the film industry. Moderated by Ganiyu, the session highlighted systemic challenges, including gender-based violence (GBV), limited access to funding, and societal stereotypes.
Aleje underscored the lack of equal representation, noting, “Women often work twice as hard as men to achieve parity in this industry. Societal restrictions and discriminatory practices further limit their participation.” She outlined abuses ranging from sexualization and body-shaming to outright harassment, which deter many females from pursuing careers in filmmaking.
Patterson shared a compelling example of her work, recounting the challenges of depicting a female truck driver’s journey through pregnancy. “No matter how skilled, a male filmmaker cannot capture the intricacies of such stories. Females bring relatability and authenticity to narratives about their experiences,” she said, adding that inequitable access to funding continues to stifle many women-led projects.
The Executive Director of the Human Rights Journalists Network and festival convener, Comrade Kehinde Adegboyega, emphasized the festival’s role in amplifying marginalized voices. “This event reaffirms our commitment to addressing human rights abuses and supporting stories that challenge oppression,” he said.
Veteran filmmaker Femi Odugbemi also spoke on the transformative power of film in driving social change. “Filmmaking has unparalleled potential to shift societal perceptions and inspire action. We need structured mentoring programs to empower young storytellers,” he advised.
The festival, which continues this week, has provided a platform for robust discussions and showcases of films that tackle pressing social issues.
By Grace Olaogun