Gendered Freedom in African Industries Presented by Aishlyn Mulligan

How are women represented in South African cinema, and what would it take to tell more authentic, empowering stories?

Drawing on African Humanism and feminist theory, Aishlyn examines how female characters have traditionally been portrayed on screen and explores practical ways to create richer, more authentic protagonists that better reflect contemporary African identities and experiences.

Key Outcomes

Participants will:

• Explore how women have traditionally been portrayed in South African cinema and why these narratives matter.
• Understand how African Humanism and feminist perspectives can reshape storytelling.
• Discover practical approaches to developing more authentic, multidimensional female characters.
• Gain fresh insights into creating stories that better reflect contemporary African identities and experiences.

Aishlyn Mulligan
Freelance director, writer and creative producer

Freedom of Representation: The African Gaze Presented by Aphiwe Mame

How has South African television shaped the way we see ourselves, and what does authentic representation mean in an era of streaming and global media?

This session explores the historical evolution of South African television from apartheid to the digital age, examining how television has reflected and influenced changing ideas of identity, culture, citizenship, and nationhood. It considers the role of television as a space for social commentary, public education, and cultural memory, while exploring how contemporary platforms continue to shape whose stories are told and how African experiences are represented on screen.

Key Outcomes

Participants will:

• Explore how South African television has evolved from apartheid-era broadcasting to today's streaming landscape.
• Understand how television has shaped public discourse, cultural identity, and national memory across different historical periods.
• Examine the role of representation in addressing issues of race, gender, language, youth culture, and LGBTQ+ visibility.
• Gain insights into how local storytelling can navigate global media influences while strengthening authentic African perspectives and representation.

Aphiwe Mame
Writer, Media Scholar, and Communications Strategist

Freedom, Memory, and Post-Apartheid Cinema Presented by Siyavuya Mfenqa

How do filmmakers tell stories about historically marginalised communities without reducing lived realities to visual spectacle?

Drawing on postcolonial theory and the concept of the "cinematic township," Siyavuya explores how South African townships have been represented in post-apartheid cinema. The session examines the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when depicting spaces shaped by colonialism, apartheid and inequality, asking whether these representations challenge historical injustice or risk commodifying structural suffering for global audiences.

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Explore how post-apartheid cinema shapes public memory and understanding of South Africa's township histories.
• Examine the ethical implications of representing historically marginalised communities on screen.
• Understand how visual storytelling can both challenge and reinforce narratives of inequality and identity.
• Gain practical insights into creating historically conscious and socially responsible screen narratives.

Siyavuya Mfenqa
Filmmaker, Producer, Cultural Activist, and Film Scholar

Creative Freedom vs. Funding Dependency in African Cinema Presented by Mamodibe Ramodibe

How can African storytellers create bold, authentic narratives that challenge traditional representations while navigating the realities of today's screen industries?

Grounded in Black feminist thought and television studies, Mamodibe examines how contemporary South African television is reshaping portrayals of Black women through complex, multidimensional characters who challenge conventional ideas of gender, power and morality. The session explores how creative choices influence representation and why authentic storytelling remains central to the future of African film and television.

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Explore how contemporary African television is expanding representations of Black women beyond traditional stereotypes.
• Understand how gender, power and identity influence character development and screen storytelling.
• Examine how complex female protagonists can reshape audience perceptions and cultural narratives.
• Gain insights into creating authentic, multidimensional stories that reflect the diversity of African experiences.

Mamodibe Ramodibe
Actress and Television Scholar