Independent film-maker Wanjiru Kairu will get an opportunity to pitch a new series idea in France this week at the Series Mania Forum.
The event which brings together influential buyers, investors, funders, broadcasters, and producers from around the globe will run until March 21.
Kairu’s new series idea dubbed Serikali Saidia! is a political satire that directly translates to “Government Help!” that was developed during her time at the AuthenticA Series Lab as part of its cohort.
The AutheticA Series Lab, now in its third year, is a programme that supports the professional development of creators of serial content.
Designed in collaboration and presented in partnership with the StoryBoard Collective with support of Series Mania Forum, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).
Expressing his hopes for this year’s cohort, Mehret Mandefro the Director of Development & Partnerships at the Realness Institute said: “At the 2023 Series Mania, all four of the AuthenticA Series Lab writers’ stories were taken up by either broadcasters or leading production companies.
We hope for the same result this year after an intense six months of mentorship and development through the Lab.”
Wanjiru will make her presentation alongside her fellow writers including Kelly-Eve Koopman (South Africa) with an urban fantasy – Facing the Mountain, Moreetsi Gabang (Botswana) with a crime drama – Outreach, Tiah Beye (Senegal/Côte d’Ivoire) with a comedy-drama – Brouteure (The Yahoo Girl).
Kairu is an award-winning writer and director whose creative expertise spans radio, television, and film. Her portfolio boasts collaborative contributions, which earned an international Emmy for Best Production in an Audio Drama.
Beyond television, she wrote over 10 films for DSTV, and her short films have garnered international recognition and nominations.
She is an instructor at Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI), Africa Digital Media Academy in Kigali, and Multichoice Talent Factory, and a script consultant for a number of films and TV series across East Africa.
