Photo by Nadia Kist.
“One thing that surprised me this year was the reminder of how powerful seeing one's own image is. I take that for granted because I'm in the rare position of seeing lots of African films, so it feels like everybody has the same opportunity. And while things have changed a great deal since I was a child, seeing thoughtful, hopeful, and affirming African stories still isn't as widespread or common as it should and should be. I am constantly humbled to meet people who watch my film and feel "seen" for the first time. What that does for their health and psyche, that feeling and knowledge, never grows old.”
Ekwa Msangi’s critically acclaimed feature Farewell Amor premiered in competition at the 2020 Sundance film Festival, where it earned her the Sundance/Amazon Producers Award. The film was bought for distribution in North America by IFC films and worldwide by MUBI and Netflix. It garnered a 98 percent positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned Msangi recognition with an NYWIFT Award for directing, the 2020 Durban International film Festival award for best screenplay, and the 2021 film Independent Spirit’s Someone to Watch Award.
She has also written and directed several shorts, including the award-winning comedy Soko Sonko (The Market King) and Farewell Meu Amor, starring Tony Award nominee Sahr Ngaujah and Nana Mensah. She is both a 2020 Sundance Momentum Fellow and a 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough.
In addition, she has written and directed several works for mainstream broadcasters in Kenya, including The Agency, MNET’s first-ever original hourlong Kenyan drama series. She has taught screenwriting at The New School, the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, and the Vermont College of Fine Arts. One of Msangi’s key goals as an artist is to transform our society’s images and relationships with African cultures and to empower African filmmakers in telling their stories.
Donor -This award was generously supported by Paul and Annette Smith.
This artist page was last updated on: 07.12.2024