Lille, France is poised to become a nexus of global television innovation on Tuesday, March 24, as four exceptional African screenwriters step onto the international stage at the 17th Series Mania. These visionary creators, graduates of the distinguished AuthenticA Series Lab, are set to pitch their original television projects to a formidable array of industry guests, including international producers, financiers, and broadcasters, marking a pivotal moment for African storytelling on the world’s screen.
Series Mania, recognized as one of the most prestigious international festivals dedicated exclusively to television series, offers an unparalleled platform for emerging and established talent alike. Its annual gathering in Lille draws thousands of industry professionals, making it an essential hub for content development, networking, and deal-making. For these four African screenwriters, the opportunity to present their work at such an esteemed event is not merely a chance to secure funding but a significant step in diversifying the global narrative landscape and showcasing the rich tapestry of stories emanating from the African continent.
The quartet arriving in Lille represents the latest cohort of the Realness Institute’s AuthenticA Series Lab. This intensive episodic screenwriting program is a beacon for African talent, meticulously designed to cultivate and amplify authentic voices. Operated in a strategic partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, and bolstered by the vital support of the Canada Media Fund and the Series Mania Forum, the AuthenticA Lab has established itself as a crucial incubator for high-quality, globally competitive television content from Africa.
The journey to Series Mania has been one of rigorous development and dedicated mentorship. For six months leading up to the pitch, the four screenwriters have immersed themselves in an intensive program, refining their concepts, honing their scripts, and preparing to articulate their visions to a discerning international audience. This hands-on support and guidance are instrumental in transforming raw ideas into polished, market-ready projects capable of captivating audiences worldwide.
The AuthenticA African Series Pitch on March 24 will feature a diverse slate of projects, each reflecting the unique perspective and creative prowess of its creator. Reem Morsi, a talented writer from Egypt and Canada, will present her dark comedy, “Humanitarians!” a project promising sharp wit and poignant social commentary. From Ghana, Gamel Apalayine will unveil “The Gospel According to Charlotte Nelson,” a mystery-drama series that delves into complex narratives and untold stories. Kenya’s Mona Ombogo is set to pitch “Kanaan,” a romantic thriller series that intertwines passion with suspense, showcasing a sophisticated approach to genre storytelling. Completing the impressive lineup is Joladé Olusanya, representing Nigeria and the U.K., who will captivate the audience with “Kid: The Hogan Bassey Story,” a sports epic that promises to be both inspiring and deeply human.
Now in its fourth successful edition, the AuthenticA Series Lab is more than just a training program; it’s a strategic intervention designed to empower African writers. Its core mission is to support and mentor them through the intricate process of developing television series that are not only compelling but also globally competitive. By fostering an environment of creative freedom and providing essential resources, the lab equips these writers with the tools and confidence to pitch their work effectively, enabling them to forge connections with international partners, financiers, and producers who can help bring their visions to fruition.
The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated in a global media landscape that is increasingly hungry for diverse and authentic narratives. For too long, African stories have been either underrepresented or filtered through external lenses. The AuthenticA Series Lab actively works to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that the stories told are those that African writers themselves want to tell, with the authenticity and nuance they deserve.
Mehret Mandefro, the creative producer and managing director of the Realness Institute, eloquently articulated this critical need. “Providing African writers a safe space to develop the stories they want to tell, with the resources they need to tell them, is still a rare intervention,” Mandefro observed. Her statement underscores the scarcity of dedicated platforms that truly nurture African talent from within. However, she quickly added, “These four writers are proof of what becomes possible when that space actually exists,” highlighting the tangible success and profound impact of the AuthenticA Lab’s approach.
Selina Ukwuoma, a distinguished script consultant and the director of writing programs at the Realness Institute, further elaborated on the lab’s unique ethos. “Each year the AuthenticA writers are encouraged to tell the stories they have kept quietly hidden — the audacious, difficult, complex ones,” Ukwuoma explained. This encouragement to explore challenging and unconventional narratives is central to the lab’s philosophy, fostering an environment where writers can truly push creative boundaries. “With the support the lab provides, the writers consistently push the boundaries. They find a way to tell these groundbreaking stories, and in so doing, they redefine the narrative about Africa,” she concluded, emphasizing the transformative power of these voices in reshaping global perceptions of the continent.
The individual accomplishments of these four screenwriters speak volumes about the caliber of talent emerging from the AuthenticA Series Lab. Reem Morsi, an award-winning writer, director, and multi-genre filmmaker, brings a unique blend of experience from her background in professional scuba diving and human rights advocacy, which often informs the depth and perspective of her work. Her feature film “Banned” has just embarked on its festival tour, and she has already directed the film “Queen Tut” and episodes for the CBC Gem series “Virgins!” Her series “Fish” previously won the Canadian National Genre Competition by WIFTV and is currently in active development, alongside two other scripted projects, demonstrating her prolific and versatile creative output.
Gamel Apalayine is a multifaceted storyteller whose expertise spans film, television, theater, and music. His impressive career includes serving as head writer for a remarkable 560 episodes of Ghana’s hugely popular series “Dede” and contributing significantly to two seasons of the Showmax original drama series “Eno.” Through his creative company, Whistling Rocks, Apalayine is actively developing a diverse slate of film, TV, and theater projects, showcasing his ambition to bring a wide array of stories to life.
Mona Ombogo stands out as an award-winning scriptwriter and a bestselling author, whose contributions to the screen have garnered significant critical acclaim. Her work on the Netflix original musical drama series “Volume” earned her the prestigious 2024 Women in Film Award for best scriptwriter, as well as the best writing in a series award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Ombogo has also held the demanding role of head writer for M-Net’s “Salem and Shanga” and made notable contributions to Showmax’s “Single Kiasi,” cementing her reputation as a leading voice in African television writing.
Joladé Olusanya, a gifted poet, filmmaker, and photographer, is celebrated for his ability to craft intimate stories that seamlessly blend lyrical writing with captivating cinematic visuals. His artistic endeavors have been recognized and commissioned by esteemed institutions such as the BBC and Barbican, and his work has been exhibited internationally. Through his company, By the Kin, Olusanya is currently developing a series of short films and an original TV series, while also passionately building community-led projects that underscore his commitment to both artistic expression and social impact.
The significance of this pitching session extends beyond the individual success of these writers. It represents a broader shift in the global entertainment industry, acknowledging the immense creative potential and market demand for content from Africa. Francesco Capurro, director of the Series Mania Forum, articulated the forum’s enthusiasm for this partnership: “At Series Mania Forum, we’re excited to showcase these four extraordinary talents from Africa on a global stage, where their rich and diverse stories can captivate the international industry.” He further affirmed the forum’s dedication, stating, “We’re proud to champion their voices and look forward to the impact they will make worldwide.”
Laure de Peretti de la Rocca, executive director of The StoryBoard Collective, highlighted the dual function of the AuthenticA Series Lab. “The AuthenticA Series Lab is not only a long-term creative development program, but also provides writers with the market literacy and industry access needed to protect their voices,” de Peretti de la Rocca explained. This emphasis on business acumen and industry navigation is crucial for ensuring that writers retain creative control and fair compensation for their work. “We support storytellers whose perspectives deserve far greater visibility on screen and create pathways to international partners ready to bring those stories to life,” she added, underscoring the collective’s commitment to bridging the gap between African talent and global opportunities.
As these four formidable screenwriters prepare to present their projects, they embody the vibrant and dynamic future of African storytelling. Their presence at Series Mania is a testament to the power of dedicated mentorship, strategic partnerships, and the unwavering belief in the unique and compelling narratives that African creators have to offer. The global industry watches with anticipation, ready to embrace the next wave of groundbreaking television that promises to enrich and redefine the international entertainment landscape.
Pictured (L. to R.): Mona Ombogo, Gamel Apalayine, Joladé Olusanya, Reem Morsi
