ABOUT US
Africa Film Fest Australia is a community driven film festival that presents films from Africa, its diaspora and Afro Australian filmmakers. The festival will showcase the depth and complexity of African heritage, curated and coordinated by African-Australians, and offer attendees a unique and genuine perspective of African stories and the chance for audiences to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of African cinema.
Africa Film Fest Australia a project of ACE and Afro Australian Curators, supported by Riverside Theatres, Screen NSW, City of Parramatta and Multicultural NSW.
Africa Film Festival Australia is more than just a cinematic event; it's a journey into the heart of Africa's rich tapestry of stories, cultures, and traditions.
In 2024, we invite you to embark on an immersive experience that transcends borders and celebrates the diversity of the African continent.
The Team
Mumbi Hinga
Co-Director
Mumbi Hinga, a dynamic Kenyan-Australian filmmaker, has made waves since 2007.
She is the director of the Kenyan international film festival Out of Africa and Associate Producer of SURVIVE OR DIE (2018) on Amazon Prime Video.
She is co-director and co-producer of Afro Sistahs, promoting African women in film and championing diversity.
Safia Amadou
Co-Director
Safia Amadou, from Niger, currently working as a Screen Cultures Program Associate at ACE supporting diverse creatives and communities.
As co-director and co-producer of Afro Sistahs. Safia is dedicated to elevating African narratives and voices in Australia.
Paul Struthers
Festival Consultant
Paul is a credentialed film industry figure, working as a Senior Programmer at Adelaide Film Festival, Associate Programmer for Tribeca Film Festival and a former Program Consultant for Sydney Film Festival.
With roots in Ghana and Scotland and a history of influential initiatives, including co-founding the Programmers of Colour Collective and directing Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival, he’s shaped film programming across continents
Eti Amegor
Advisory Member
Eti Amegor is a funds management professional with over a decade of experience working with institutional investors and fund managers globally.
As Head of Institutional Business at Montgomery Investment Management, he oversees capital raising, product development, and client relationships. Previously, he held a director role at an Australian funds management firm, where he specialized in institutional investment and strategic growth.
Beyond his professional career, Eti is passionate about the arts and philanthropy. He is a member of the Atelier Advisory Council (Art Gallery of NSW), CFA Australia Diversity Committee, and actively supports grassroots initiatives through 10x10 Philanthropy.
Wanyika Mshila
Advisory Member
Wanyika is a Kenyan-born Australian changemaker with over 15 years of experience bridging arts, corporate, and community spaces. She is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, fostering inclusivity, and creating accessible cultural experiences.
Her work includes consulting on major productions like Hot Brown Honey (Sydney Opera House), Orange Thrower (Griffin Theatre Co), and 7 Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner (Malthouse). She has also led public programming at Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Opera House, and Open Inner West.
Lee Elsdon
Advisory member
Lee is an Associate in the Film and TV group at Simpsons Solicitors. He specialises in entertainment law, focussing on film and TV production.
He works with producers, production companies, media financiers and creatives on production and finance matters including in relation to contract, intellectual property, licensing, and financing. Prior to his time at Simpsons,
Lee spent time working for Arts Law Centre of Australia and the Australian Government Solicitor. Before entering the law he worked in commercial TV and pay TV, both in production and post- production.
Kaiya Aboagye
Advisory member
Kaiya is a sociologist and lecturer at Western Sydney University, specialising in Afro-Indigenous histories and connections in Australia and the Black Pacific. Her research challenges mainstream narratives, highlighting African and First Nations experiences in Oceania.
A former policy adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, she contributed expertise to the UN Working Group on People of African Descent's first mission to Australia.
Kaiya frequently publishes and speaks at notable institutions and events, and actively supports community organisations.
She proudly identifies with Ashanti (Ghana), Erub Island (Torres Strait), Kuku Yalanji (FNQ), and Manbarra (Palm Island) lineages.
Upenyu Mawande
Advisory member
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Upenyu Mawande is an international development executive passionate about partnerships, equity, and improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable communities.
She brings nearly 20 years’ experience in strategic leadership, program management, fundraising, and philanthropy across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America.
Upenyu currently oversees grant-making and partnerships as Director of Programs (Africa) at the Judith Neilson Foundation.
She also serves on advisory committees for Australia's international development sector and is a non-executive Board Member of Plan International Australia.
Our Partners and Sponsors
