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Director of the VaRRIWA Project

Aïssa Maïga is a French actress, director and activist, born on May 25, 1975 in Dakar, Senegal. She grew up in France and began her film career in the late 1990s. She is known for her roles in films such as "Les Poupées Russes" by Cédric Klapisch, "Bamako" by Abderrahmane Sissako, and "Prête-moi ta main" by Éric Lartigau.

Aïssa Maïga is also an important figure in the fight for diversity in cinema. In 2018, she published the book "Noire n'est pas mon métier", a collective work written with fifteen other black and mixed-race actresses to denounce stereotypes and racial discrimination in French cinema.

In 2021, she co-directed the documentary film **"Regard noir "**, which explores the representation of black people in cinema through a road-movie between France, Brazil and the United States. This documentary was well received for its contribution to the discussion of diversity and inclusion in the film industry.

She also directed the documentary "Marcher sur l'eau", released in 2021, which follows the inhabitants of Tatiste in Niger and their struggle for access to drinking water, highlighting the impacts of climate change on local communities.

Aïssa Maïga is an active member of Collectif 50/50, an organization promoting gender equality and diversity in cinema and the media in France. She remains committed to better representation of minorities on screen, and works on various projects to raise public awareness of these issues.

For more details, see her Wikipedia page.

Patricia Kwende is a Cameroonian director, screenwriter, film producer, entrepreneur and writer. Born in Douala, she pursued her studies in France, obtaining a baccalauréat before specializing in marketing and communications. Fascinated by storytelling, she began writing screenplays, some of which were published. She founded her own production company, Delphy Production, in 2019. Her notable works include "L'Appel" and "Queen". Kwende is recognized for her contributions to film and has received several awards.

For more information, please visit her Wikipedia page.

Jean-Pierre Bekolo is a Cameroonian director, producer and editor, born June 8, 1966 in Yaoundé. He is also a film professor in the United States, having taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Virginia Tech and Duke University. Bekolo first came to prominence at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992 with his first feature "Quartier Mozart", a film that won awards in Locarno, Montreal and Ouagadougou, and a nomination at the British Academy Film Awards.

Bekolo studied physics at the University of Yaoundé and worked as an editor at Cameroon Television before training at the Institut National de l'Audiovisuel in France. He also studied film semiology with Christian Metz. In 1995, he directed "Le Complot d'Aristote" for the British Film Institute, a film parodying action films and African cinema.

In 2005, he directed "Les Saignantes", the first African science-fiction film, which was selected by New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as one of 70 science-fiction classics. The film tackles themes such as corruption, feminism and social decline.

Bekolo is also known for his critical and creative engagement with African cinema and its relationship with Europe. His book "Africa for the Future - Bringing a new world out of cinema" questions the relationship between Africa and Europe, as well as liberalism and the dominant ideology.

To find out more, visit his Wikipedia page.

Justine Gaga is a Cameroonian artist, born in Douala. She studied at the Institut de Formation Artistique in Mbalmayo and worked in various workshops in Cameroon. Her career took an international turn in the mid-2000s, notably through her collaboration with Goddy Leye at ArtBakery. She is renowned for her installations, sculptures and performances that explore complex social themes. Justine has participated in major exhibitions such as DAK'ART and received international recognition for her critical and aesthetic approach.

For more information, visit Justine Gaga.

I am an "Afropreneur" who aims to empower my various corners of the world by presenting all things African through food, health advocacy and storytelling. I have over two decades of experience in strategic management, operations, program management, workforce development, healthcare IT, advocacy and hospitality.

With my background, I help many people in turning business concepts into reality, starting from scratch, and then from idea to established companies.

Life has thrown many hard rocks my way, but I find precious gems in them. One such gem is TamBo Foundation, an organization that is a voice, advocate, and resource repository for African and Afro Diasporic populations dealing with cancer.

Alvin Rogers is a highly accomplished and sought-after speaker, renowned for their expertise and captivating stage presence. With a diverse background in [relevant field or industry], they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every speaking engagement. Their dynamic and engaging style seamlessly combines powerful storytelling with actionable insights, leaving audiences inspired and equipped with practical strategies for success. Alvin has delivered impactful keynote addresses at prestigious conferences and corporate events worldwide, consistently receiving rave reviews for their ability to connect with and energize audiences. Whether addressing topics such as [specific areas of expertise], leadership, or innovation, Alvin is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.