New Partnership with Frames of Freedom Aims to Shape the Future of African Storytelling
FAME Week Africa has announced a new partnership with Frames of Freedom to launch an innovative webinar series designed to connect Africa’s leading film researchers with key players across the screen industry.
Launching in August 2026, the free online series will create a platform where academic research meets industry practice, encouraging conversations that have the potential to influence storytelling, policy development, film production, financing and sustainability across the African creative economy.
Turning Research into Industry Action
Unlike traditional academic presentations, the Frames of Freedom Webinar Series has been designed to translate scholarly research into practical discussions that are directly relevant to filmmakers, broadcasters, producers, commissioners, distributors and policymakers.
The programme will feature master’s, PhD and postdoctoral researchers presenting findings on topics including commissioning, financing, licensing, production, distribution, public policy and ethical storytelling. It will also explore interdisciplinary subjects such as renewable energy, circular economy solutions and sustainable filmmaking practices.
Godisamang Khunou, Team Lead of Frames of Freedom, said the initiative was created to ensure research delivers real-world impact.
“Frames of Freedom was created because we believe research should not sit on a shelf. It should challenge industries, influence policy, inspire filmmakers and create real opportunities for change.”
Khunou added that the webinar series offers emerging researchers a rare opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers across Africa’s film ecosystem while encouraging innovative thinking around storytelling, sustainability and social innovation.
August Programme Explores Representation, Identity and Industry Sustainability
The inaugural webinar series will feature four presentations throughout August.
On 5 August, researcher Aishlyn Mullen will present Gendered Freedom in African Industries, examining the representation of women in South African cinema and how female protagonists are being reimagined.
Also on 5 August, Mamodibe Ramodibe will present Creative Freedom vs. Funding Dependency in African Cinema, exploring African streaming platforms, funding structures and the future of locally driven screen industries.
The second session, taking place on 19 August, will feature Siyavuya Mfenqa, whose presentation Freedom, Memory and Post-Apartheid Cinema investigates the portrayal of South African townships and the ethical responsibilities filmmakers carry when telling these stories.
The day’s programme concludes with Aphiwe Mame, presenting Freedom of Representation and the African Gaze, which traces the evolution of South African television while examining how media has shaped identity, culture and public discourse.
Building Conversations Beyond the Screen
The webinar series will serve as a precursor to in-person discussions at FAME Week Africa, where participating researchers will meet producers, broadcasters, commissioners, distributors and policymakers to further explore how academic research can influence the future of African filmmaking.
According to Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa, the initiative reflects the event’s broader mission of connecting creative industries with emerging ideas.
“FAME Week Africa exists to connect the people shaping the future of the creative industries. Some of the most important thinking about our sector is happening inside universities, yet too often that research never reaches the producers, commissioners, investors and policymakers who can put it into practice.”
Hiller said bringing researchers to a global online audience before welcoming them to FAME Week Africa in person creates an opportunity for research to evolve into collaboration that can help shape the future of African storytelling.
Registration Now Open
The Frames of Freedom Webinar Series is free to attend, with registration now open ahead of its August 2026 launch. Organisers hope the initiative will foster stronger collaboration between academia and industry while helping drive innovation, sustainability and more inclusive storytelling across Africa’s rapidly growing film and television sector.
To register for the free Frames of Freedom Webinar Series and find out more about the programme, click Here
