By Milcah Tanimu
Nigerian filmmakers Fatimah Gimsay, Isioma Osaje, Temidayo Makanjuola, and Stephanie Dadet have been selected to join the 2024 Africa Creative TV (ACTV) Residency. This prestigious four-week program will be held in Los Angeles, California, in collaboration with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. The residency, inspired by US President Joe Biden’s 2022 Africa Leaders Summit, aims to provide mentorship and professional development for TV professionals across Africa.
The program, running from July 8 to August 8, 2024, offers participants the chance to engage in sessions on professional growth and network building with American TV writers, producers, and other industry experts. Fatimah Gimsay, known for her extensive work in Africa Magic writer’s rooms with credits in shows like *Tinsel*, *Riona*, *Ijo*, *The Covenant*, *Unbroken*, *Game On*, and *Enahke*, has been selected for the Head Writer category. Temidayo Makanjuola, recognized for his contributions to the Netflix series *Blood Sisters*, *Money Men Marriage*, and *Dust to Dreams*, joins her in this category.
Isioma Osaje, a producer for projects such as *Japa*, *Up North*, *The Set Up*, *Quam’s Money*, and *Chief Daddy*, was chosen in the Producer category. Stephanie Dadet, who has produced Africa Magic series like *Sin*, *Halita*, and *Unscripted*, and recently made her directorial debut with *Alli Eid Dinner*, also joins the residency as a Producer.
Other African filmmakers selected for the residency include Chinaka Iwunze, Gwydion Beynon, Lwazi Mvusi, Nandisa Mkize, Phathu Makwarela, and Meren Reddy from South Africa, as well as Mono Ombogo, Jennifer Gatero, Becky Muikia, Tosh Gitonga, and Toni Kamau from Kenya. These participants will benefit from a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their networks in one of the world’s leading entertainment hubs.
