Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals in collaboration with Africa Change Narrative Stories had announced the date for Africa Storytellers Festival 2024.
This is the first of its kind in Africa. Africa(ns) media and storytelling plains have been dominated so far by stereotypical single story that had been disempowering to the whole continent at large. If Africa and African continent must develop, its people must stand against negative stereotypical and disempowering narrative,
Drawing from insightful knowledge of why stories are really important: “To protect democracy, we must build honest conversation. We cannot disconnect democracy and development from the quality of conversation, interactions and narratives that are spread among and by the people”.
The challenge today is that
“Africans storytellers must admit the fun of their preoccupation with telling stories of the insignificant percentage of negative characters do more damage to the achievements of greater percentage of resilient ‘heroes’ and ground breakers. Creating the balance will inspire hope and even development”
“Nigerian/African media storytellers must begin to spotlight creativity, resilience, Ubutu spirit, brilliance, patriotism, breakthroughs, courage to explore, value and integrity amidst their population and use these to inspire and motivate their news consumers/audience. They must do this while they continue to challenge the narrative and reality of the few that cause untold damage”.
If truly Africans therefore understand stories shaped public opinion, perspective and attitude of people, organizations, nations and its citizens. Stories are often the foundation of what a people or culture affirm. When falsehood is left without being countered, receivers accept it as the truth. Narrative contents today go a long way in how they perceive environment they live in.
According to the Project Director of the festival. Yinka Olaito, “Time has come for Africans to come together and determine what is empowering to all so a new chart for continental development can begin”.
The theme of the 2024 festival is “Governance, Development and Inclusive Society: story and narrative impact” It will be held in Lagos Nigeria on September 10.2024 and will bring together 300-500 media professionals, development, finance industry actors as well as storytellers.
It is multi-sectoral stakeholder conference which will include: Publication and continental circulation of Strategy Plan, Film screening, storytellers” hangout. The breakdown of the programme includes 1 keynote speaker, storytellers’ hangout, Film screening and 12 panellists who will lead discussion in three areas: 1-Governance standards and storytelling 2. Development matters and storytelling 3. Financial industry and emerging story, can we make changes
Further enquiries: participation and sponsorship
Busola : +234 7061194389 8093160591
Email: info@africanchangestories,org
info@afymp.org
