On Emilia Pérez, Hollywood Stereotypes, and the Stories That Shape Us

Image by UOL

By Adetayo Adetokun

Hollywood has always been a storyteller. But it doesn’t just tell any stories—it tells stories that shape how we see the world. It decides who gets to be a hero, who is worthy of love, who is feared, who is pitied, and who is ignored.

The Vital Role of Storytelling in Advancing the SDGs

Our Film, Report It, which addresses gender-based violence and sexual abuse, was screened at the 2023 Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALITFEST).

By Cynthia Umeh

Stories, from ancient myths, passed down through generations to modern-day social justice initiatives, have an unrivaled potential to inspire, educate, and organize people toward common goals. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), storytelling emerges as an important instrument for encouraging understanding, empathy, and action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Revolutionizing Equality, Freedom, and Justice

Photo by Ilyass SEDDOUG on Unsplash

By Cynthia Umeh

The world frequently feels divided. Therefore the ideas of equality, freedom, and justice for all have evolved from buzzwords to crucial cornerstones of a just and fair society. For centuries, these values have served as the guiding lights of democracies and human rights movements around the world. 

BABA

Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels

                   

By Atinuke Adeosun

It is a rainy Saturday afternoon. The breakfast of akara and pap has been had. The tedious, back breaking and unnecessary slew of Saturday house chores have been done. 

Beneath the Veil

Photo by Kreative Kwame on Pexels

By Atinuke Adeosun

Cradled by rolling hills and cloaked in lush greenery, Umu Oma rests in tranquil beauty. Umu Oma, where the sun's warmth permeates deep into the soul and those with dark complexions thrive, Adaeze emerges with a complexion as pale as the moonlight and hair as white as calabash chalk. Her birth fills her family with immense joy, but it also sparks curiosity—a child born to parents with brown hair and skin as dark as the loamy soil where the bananas are planted. In a society where likeness binds, Adaeze is born with albinism, a condition that renders her skin pallid and her hair like creamy milk.

Embracing Diversity in African Storytelling: Insights from the 2023 ALitFest Panel Session

By Atinuke Adeosun

Introduction:

The 2023 Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALitFest) is happening from September 3 - 10, 2023. The theme for the festival this year is 'Becoming One With the Other' and it is a celebration of literature and art through workshops and booth camps, a stage play, panel session, book and art fairs, film screening, fashion and art exhibitions, music and poetry concert, the poetry grand slam, and a gala night with sponsors.