Fifteen visionary filmmakers from across the globe have convened for the fifth edition of the Creative Producer Indaba (CPI). This prestigious professional development program is designed to sharpen the entrepreneurial and leadership skills of media builders specializing in African film and television content.
A Strategic Global Partnership
The program is a flagship initiative of the Cape Town-based Realness Institute, in collaboration with EAVE, the Indian Ocean International Film Festival (FIFOI), and Maison du Cinéma et des Jeux Vidéo. Supported by a robust network of international funders – including the Region Réunion, Telefilm Canada, and the French National Centre of Cinema (CNC) – CPI bridges the gap between creative vision and business sustainability.
The Program Journey The 2025/2026 cycle launched on November 12 with a keynote on leadership by media executive Ivana Kirkbride. The curriculum continues with online masterclasses on story development and international sales, featuring experts like Tracey-Lee Rainers (Story Oasis) and Julien Razafindranaly (Films Boutique).
The cohort will progress through two intensive in-person residencies:
February 2026 (Johannesburg): Focusing on finance, PR, and project development.
April 2026 (Saint-Paul, Réunion): Held during FIFOI, focusing on legal frameworks, organizational growth, and network management.
Leadership Perspectives
“In year 5 of Creative Producer Indaba, we are focused on equipping producers with future-facing skills that can help them weather global media disruptions and come out stronger,” says Mehret Mandefro, Interim Managing Director of Realness Institute.
The 2025/2026 Cohort The fifteen participants represent a diverse mix of talent:
Producers with Projects: Ique Langa (Mozambique), Lova Nantenaina (Réunion/Madagascar), Wame Merafhe (Botswana), Yasmin Hassan Mohamed (Kenya), and Shveta Naidoo (South Africa).
Professional Development Fellows: Xolani Nhlapho (South Africa), David Franciscus (South Africa), Mahelet Gezachew (Ethiopia/USA), Iman Djionne (Senegal), and Linda Qibaa (Morocco/France).
International Collaborators: Mo Harawe (Austria/Somalia), Stefan Eichenberger (Switzerland), Soko Negash (Canada), Aswathi Naduthodi (India), and Talita Arruda (Brazil).