At Durban Filmmart, ‘Acts Of Man’ Secures KIC Group Investment
Following a successful collaboration at the Cannes, KIC Group — comprising Known Associates Group (SA), Inner City Films (Canada) and Circle Blue Entertainment (Canada) —announced their investment of $10,000 into Acts of Man, a standout project from the prestigious Durban FilmMart (DFM) Fiction Pitch session. This initiative marks a significant step in KIC Group’s mission to support and promote emerging talent within the African entertainment sector. “This investment underscores our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in African filmmaking”, said Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, Group CEO of Known Associates Group.
“Through Acts of Man, we aim to amplify diverse voices and enrich storytelling on a global scale.” The investment includes a cash investment of $10 000, as well as additional support towards development, and a co-production partnership deal with the KIC Group. Acts of Man will benefit from integration into KIC Group’s extensive network and infrastructure, which span key markets in Africa, Europe and the Americas. “The Durban FilmMart serves as a vital platform for advancing film and television excellence across borders,” noted Alfons Adetuyi, founder of Inner-City Films. “Through this investment, we’re sparking cross-continental collaborations that will enrich storytelling and open doors for international distribution. This is just the beginning of a vibrant exchange that will benefit filmmakers and audiences alike.” 
Amos Adetuyi, founder of Circle Blue Entertainment, added: “Our investment in ‘Acts of Man’ exemplifies KIC Group’s dedication to bridging the gap between African and Canadian film industries. We look forward to collaborating with Sean Drummond, Sheetal Magan, and the entire team to bring this compelling narrative to global audiences.” This investment reflects KIC Group’s ongoing commitment to pioneering quality content across film and television genres, while nurturing talent and facilitating strategic co-productions.
TIFF Announces 2024 Discovery Programme, Afolabi Olalekan’s Freedom Way Makes Lineup
NIGERIA’S Afolabi’s Olalekan’s Freedom Way is set to premiere alongside 23 other titles representing more than 25 countries at the Discovery Programme segment of the 2024 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. Freedom Way features Jesse Suntele, Mike Afolarin, Femi Jacobs and Teniola Aladese, among others. The Discovery programme, presented by Air France, premieres debut and sophomore films from emerging filmmakers, showcasing the best of contemporary international cinema. This year’s robust programme encompasses 24 titles, with 20 World Premieres, representing more than 25 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Colombia, Denmark, Greece, India, Italy, Kosovo, Nigeria, Romania, Somalia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Ukraine.
From its opening night film, Bonjour Tristesse, Durga Chew-Bose’s adaptation of Françoise Sagan’s novel, to other anticipated titles, such as Afolabi Olalekan’s Freedom Way, Egil Pedersen’s My Fathers’ Daughter, Laura Carreira’s On Falling, and Pavlo Ostrikov’s U Are The Universe, this year’s Discovery lineup promises a blend of tour-de-force performances and captivating storytelling. This programme has notably been a launching ground for filmmakers, many of whom have gone on to great acclaim. Discovery alumni include award-winning filmmakers such as Ildikó Enyedi, Alfonso Cuarón, Christopher Nolan, Maren Ade, Yorgos Lanthimos, Barry Jenkins, and Emma Seligman. The 2024 Discovery selection has been programmed by Dorota Lech, Jason Anderson, Kelly Boutsalis, Diana Cadavid, Robyn Citizen, Nataleah Hunter-Young, June Kim, Jason Ryle, and Norm Wilner.
