Culture: Nana Oforiatta Ayim

Nana Oforiatta Ayim is a cultural historian, writer and filmmaker based in Accra and London. She is currently working on a research publication and exhibition for the EU/AU on cultural heritage and contemporary arts institutions in Africa with architect David Adjaye (2011, Bozar, Brussels) and a book on Ghanaian photographer James Barnor (2010, Trolley Books, London). Her writing has appeared in publications such as The National Geographic, The Statesman, The Dubliner and Time Out. She has lectured and presented her scholarship at Universities, including Cambridge, Kumasi, London and Oxford. She has curated exhibitions and events for institutions such as The British Council, The British Museum, The Liverpool Biennial, The Royal Festival Hall and The Victoria and Albert Museum. In her fiction and short films she deals with the themes of translation and the gaps within language. Her first fiction book 'The Tightrope Walker' will be published in May 2010. Her films have been nominated for awards at various festivals, such as The Milan African Film Festival, The RAI Ethnographic Film Festival and The Real Life Documentary Film Festival. They have also been shown at venues such as The Museum of African Diaspora and used in university curricula. She is a founding director of ANO, a non-profit organization dedicated to the interface of culture and development in Africa and its Diaspora. She has an MA in African Art History and is completing a PhD in African Languages and Cultures at the University of London. [Credit: http://www.thisismyafrica.com/]

Black Star: Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Gone are the days when watching African movies meant, -lots of screaming, intangible pigeon English, 'over-the -top-acting, actresses rolling their eyes -strangely, angry people and women in submissive roles. Well, thankfully, the aforementioned issues are in the past -and a new dawn is being heralded by Ghana's own, Shirley Frimpong-Manso (Sparrow Productions) -of, 'Different Shades of Blue -fame. The director/writer/producer -of , 'Perfect Picture' (above) and past favourites like, - ‘Life and Living It’, and ‘Scorned’, - Shirley's modern and relevant films are a 'must see'. From the perfect lighting, to the gripping storyline and the talented actors -the quality of Shirley's films are a breath of fresh air -and she and Sparrow Production -are enjoying critical and commercial success across Africa, Europe and America. So, add a must watch, 'Perfect Picture' -to your to do list -the gripping tale (of friendship between three seemly perfect women) has all the twists and turns of a good drama, -and stars the cream of Ghana cinema, -Adjetey Annang; Chris Attoh, Kweku Sintim-Misa, Jackie Appiah, Lydia Forson, Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku and Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong. Fabulous...xx

Black Star: Amma Asante

I was introduced to Amma Asante by a director friend of my -many moons ago. Sweet and unaffected, this multi talented lady -is pretty fabulous. An actress ('Birds of a Feather', Desmond's, Veronica, The Bill and off cause Grange Hill), writer ('A Way of Life' and 'Brothers and Sisters'), producer ('Brothers and Sisters') and director (of the award winning 'A Way of Life' -a provocative and bleak” portrayal of working class life in modern Britain. A must see drama about teenage angst -racism, hope and tragedy -it stars Brenda Blethyn and Michael Conway). Amma is not just a competent director, she is also a mean dresser. I have spied this uber groomed beauty out and about (in London) -dressed in high-end apparel with the most fabulous accessories. Keep on keeping Amma.