Women filmmakers, especially in Africa, have been usually relegated to second place. At the Pan- African film festival (FESPACO), Ouagadougou, the coveted golden ‘Statue de Yennenga’, which itself depicts a heroine, has never been won by a woman. This situation reveals that women are still struggling for recognition and for means of production and distribution.
Women filmmakers in Africa have been largely overshadowed by men. As a festival, we shall take up the challenge to give established as well as upcoming women filmmakers a platform to exhibit their work, discuss, exchange and network with each other, the public and other stakeholders. They will be able to reach a wider audience and connect with it.
As a film festival we have a desire to make a difference in the world we live in. We believe that through the Udada Film festival we can influence the change.
Films are a reflection of reality. As a festival, we shall, by highlighting women and their work, also be exposing women’s issues, concerns and perspectives in the societies they live in. International films will give the audiences an insight into other cultures for comparison to their own. Films are important in bringing abstract places and people to ‘life’ in front of an audience. They are a way of travelling to different countries, of seeing and understanding other people. Women filmmakers will therefore gain from this exchange of cultures.
Udada Film Festival 