Fourth Edition of Creative Producer Indaba Brings 15 Producers to IFFR Pro 2025 in Netherlands
The Creative Producer Indaba (CPI) has announced the 15 producers selected for its fourth edition, a unique program supporting the advancement of African stories and international co-productions. The initiative, which takes place under the IFFR Pro Days in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is organized by IFFR Pro in partnership with the Cape Town-based Realness Institute, EAVE, and the Atlas Workshops. This year’s CPI will bring together a dynamic group of filmmakers and producers for a two-part program, beginning with sessions at the Festival International du Film de Marrakech in December, followed by the final workshop at IFFR 2025 in the Netherlands.
A Diverse Cohort of Talent
The selected producers represent a wide array of backgrounds, skill sets, and career focuses, underscoring CPI’s commitment to fostering cross-continental collaboration and diverse storytelling. The participants fall into three primary categories: African producers, international producers interested in African collaborations, and African professionals from various film-related fields.
Notable African Producers:
Among the notable African producers participating in this year’s program are:
- Layla Swart (South Africa): Known for her award-winning work with Yellowbone Entertainment, Swart has produced prominent films like Sew the Winter to My Skin and Knuckle City.
- Salamina Mosese (South Africa): A media professional whose portfolio includes successful feature films like Baby Mamas and Love, Sex & 30 Candles.
- Vanessa Sinden (South Africa): A senior producer at Triggerfish Animation, recognized for her collaborations with Disney+ and Netflix on top animated African films.
- Kamy Lara (Angola): Producer of thought-provoking documentaries, including her recent work, Fuckin’ Globo.
- Moimi Wezam (DRC): Founder of Zero Attitude Flix, Wezam has gained recognition for his documentary ZERO, which was featured on Amazon Prime Video.
Producers Seeking Co-Productions
The Indaba also features African producers who are actively developing projects and seeking international partnerships. These participants include:
- Dhia Jerbi (Tunisia): A documentary filmmaker with a focus on building connections between the Mediterranean’s two shores, whose work has been shown across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Ephraim Gordon (South Africa): Known for producing Barakat, South Africa’s official submission to the 94th Academy Awards.
- Juliana Kabua (Kenya): Producer of Stero (2024), which premiered at IFFR, and an advocate for authentic African narratives.
- Mohammed Alomda (Sudan): A prominent figure in Sudan’s emerging cinema, known for his work on You Will Die at Twenty, a film that debuted at the Venice Film Festival.
- Miral Ezzat El Fakharany (Egypt): A seasoned producer with experience across MENA, GCC, and U.S. markets.
International Participants
The CPI also includes international producers interested in African collaborations. This year’s lineup of international producers comprises:
- Dieynaba SY (La Réunion): Founder of Lanbéli Production, with expertise in African languages and audiovisual production.
- Julia Alves de Oliveira (Brazil): Specializes in arthouse films, and has received acclaim at festivals like Cannes.
- Kathryn Fasegha (Canada): Award-winning filmmaker known for her features Treacherous Heart and 2 Weeks in Lagos.
- Maéva Ranaivojaona (Austria): Producer at Subobscura Films, focusing on projects that explore themes of colonization and marginalization.
- Niza Lou Waldburger (Switzerland): Managing director at Vega Film, a major European production company working with diverse projects across the continent.
About Creative Producer Indaba
The Creative Producer Indaba, a talent development initiative by the Realness Institute, aims to empower African film producers by building their leadership and creative skills through an intensive two-part workshop. This program is supported by various international film bodies, including Projeto Paradiso, the Austrian Film Institute, and Canada Media Fund, which enable a global participation of producers from Austria, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, and other regions.
With the 2025 cohort, the Indaba continues to encourage collaboration and innovation within African cinema, helping participants develop strong industry connections, sharpen their production expertise, and engage with international markets. The selected producers will utilize this opportunity to network and explore potential co-productions that bring diverse African stories to a global audience.