Open call: FAME Week Africa webinar on gender and representation

The event, titled Gendered Freedom in African Industries & Freedom of Representation: The African Gaze, will take place on 5 August 2026, from 5pm to 6.30pm SAST, via Microsoft Teams.

The webinar forms part of Women’s Month activities and will feature two sessions led by researchers examining the evolution of representation and storytelling in South African screen industries.

Session 1: Gendered Freedom in African Industries

Presented by Aishlyn Mulligan, the session will explore the representation of women in South African cinema and approaches to creating more authentic and empowering female characters.

The discussion will draw on African Humanism and feminist theory, covering:

• The evolution of women’s representation in South African cinema.
• The influence of African Humanism and feminist perspectives on storytelling.
• Creating multidimensional female characters.
• Developing stories that reflect contemporary African identities and experiences.

Session 2: Freedom of Representation: The African Gaze

Presented by Aphiwe Mame, the second session will examine the development of South African television from the apartheid era to the digital and streaming age.

The discussion will consider television’s role in shaping identity, culture, citizenship and national memory, as well as how contemporary platforms influence which African stories are told and how they are represented.

Topics will include:

• The evolution of South African television across different periods.
• Television's influence on culture, identity and public discourse.
• Representation of race, gender, language and youth culture.
• LGBTQ+ visibility in African screen storytelling.
• The role of streaming platforms in shaping contemporary representation.

Frames of Freedom is a thought leadership platform that connects academic research with Africa’s screen industries. Its activities include industry discussions, webinars and presentations at FAME Week Africa, bringing together researchers, filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, commissioners and policymakers.

The webinar is open to filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, commissioners, academics, students, policymakers and others interested in African film and television.

RSVP here and here.