Leading Nigerian financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), has partnered with the  Goethe-Institut of South Africa and executive producer Steven Markovitz to support African Metropolis – a project aimed at exploring and promoting African short films and filmmakers from different capitals of the continent across key platforms.

The seven short films which will be shot in Lagos, Abidjan, Kinshasa, Dakar, Johannesburg, Cairo and Nairobi are set for delivery in May 2013.

The work of these young film artists will show the face of a modern and cosmopolitan Africa and challenge long-standing clichés about the continent.

The filmmakers are Jim Chuchu of Kenya, Egyptian director Ahmed Ghoneimy, Folasakin Iwajomo of Nigeria, Marie Ka who is Senegalese/Martinique, Philippe Lacote of the Ivory Coast, Yohan Lengole of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South African director Vincent Moloi.

Responding to the development, GTBank CEO, Segun Agbaje said,“We are delighted to take part in supporting the work of African film artists who will share with the world their take on urban Africa, and wish that our support will encourage continued good work from these storytellers as well as others yet to come of age.”

Executive Producer Steven Markovitz commented: “Our filmmakers have never lived through a shortage of good ideas. Thanks to our partners we are now at that point where financial support and guidance will bring ideas to light in the best possible way.”

GTB has been a strong supporter of the development of arts in Africaand the creative industry.

In 2010, the lender sponsored the exhibition of the first African artist (Yinka Shonibare MBE) to display an art work in Trafalgar Square. It also has a rich online TV platform, Ndani TV, where it showcases African stories from all sectors.

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